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Crimson Cove #3
Third Time's a Charm
Not all secrets should be kept
Kisses, kindred spirits, and killings.
The three things that sum up Christmas in Crimson Cove.
Lindsey, the snoop, is putting her life on the line.
Lainey, the nerd, is scared to close her eyes.
Sierra, the rebel, is missing.
Sage, the good girl, is keeping secrets.
Rita, the new girl, wishes she could move home to New York before the killer gets her.
Rachel, the mean girl, was not who the girls thought she was.
When Christmas break starts, everyone assumes there will be an armistice.
But the killer thing about Christmas parties is someone always spikes the eggnog.
Just as the girls think they have the pieces of the puzzle falling into place, everything falls apart, and a third body lands on the pile.
And this person is someone no one expected to find dead. Or find at all.
Kisses, kindred spirits, and killings.
The three things that sum up Christmas in Crimson Cove.
Lindsey, the snoop, is putting her life on the line.
Lainey, the nerd, is scared to close her eyes.
Sierra, the rebel, is missing.
Sage, the good girl, is keeping secrets.
Rita, the new girl, wishes she could move home to New York before the killer gets her.
Rachel, the mean girl, was not who the girls thought she was.
When Christmas break starts, everyone assumes there will be an armistice.
But the killer thing about Christmas parties is someone always spikes the eggnog.
Just as the girls think they have the pieces of the puzzle falling into place, everything falls apart, and a third body lands on the pile.
And this person is someone no one expected to find dead. Or find at all.
- GenresCrimeYoung Adult Mystery
258 pages, Paperback
Published May 13, 2016
32 people are currently reading
256 people want to read
About the author
Tara Brown
118 books2,378 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Pen names for Tara Brown
- Tara Brown for science fiction and fantasy (primary author name)
- Sophie Starr for darker books
- Amy March for romantic comedies
- A.E. Watson
- T.L. Brown
- Erin Leigh
- Meg Browne
Caution: Author uses multiple pen names on the same book (different releases/editions). GR policy dictates that the name on the first release remain primary on all subsequent releases. The secondary name would be whatever name is on the cover, if different.
Pen names for Tara Brown
- Tara Brown for science fiction and fantasy (primary author name)
- Sophie Starr for darker books
- Amy March for romantic comedies
- A.E. Watson
- T.L. Brown
- Erin Leigh
- Meg Browne
Caution: Author uses multiple pen names on the same book (different releases/editions). GR policy dictates that the name on the first release remain primary on all subsequent releases. The secondary name would be whatever name is on the cover, if different.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 13, 2018
Actual rating - 3.5
February 12, 2022
This series is so consistently well written, well thought out and well executed. It is incredible. I just finished book 3/5 and am so excited to continue this story and find out what happens!
I never thought I’d fall in love with this series as much as I have, but it’s quickly becoming one of my all time favorites. I really enjoy how each book is in a different character’s perspective, I find myself loving each one a little more after reading, due to the fact that you understand them just a little more!
It is rare for a murder mystery to successfully span across 3 books (with 2 more to read) but Brown does it easily by intertwining new mini mysteries into the story. The big picture is always Rachel’s murder, but SO much happens in between that keeps the story fresh.
I am so beyond excited to start book 4 and see what we find out next. This series is a MUST READ for anyone that enjoys young adult mystery/thrillers!
I never thought I’d fall in love with this series as much as I have, but it’s quickly becoming one of my all time favorites. I really enjoy how each book is in a different character’s perspective, I find myself loving each one a little more after reading, due to the fact that you understand them just a little more!
It is rare for a murder mystery to successfully span across 3 books (with 2 more to read) but Brown does it easily by intertwining new mini mysteries into the story. The big picture is always Rachel’s murder, but SO much happens in between that keeps the story fresh.
I am so beyond excited to start book 4 and see what we find out next. This series is a MUST READ for anyone that enjoys young adult mystery/thrillers!
May 31, 2016
Why do I torture myself this way! I gobble up anything with Tara Brown's name on it, and then I am left wanting... the next one!! If I didn't literally NEED her books like air, I would just wait until they are all out, but no, I can't without risk of death. So I read, love, and wait. Impatiently I might add.
This book is just as creeptastic as the last and does not disappoint with messing with your mind. And just when you think you know what's up, nope, you're wrong.
Book 3 follows Sierra and the terrible things the psycho killer puts her through. And it's horrible! We get some answers in this one, but then are left with more questions. I need book 4 NOW!
This book is just as creeptastic as the last and does not disappoint with messing with your mind. And just when you think you know what's up, nope, you're wrong.
Book 3 follows Sierra and the terrible things the psycho killer puts her through. And it's horrible! We get some answers in this one, but then are left with more questions. I need book 4 NOW!
January 21, 2023
Third Times a Charm
By Tara Brown and Meg Browne
Third book in the series gets 3 stars. Too much torture-y stuff and repeating plot for my liking. How many times can these girls go back to the crime scene? Anyway, we find out who-done-it (sort of) in this book but we don't know why or who else is involved in the bigger scheme.
POV changes again, which is always takes me a bit to get into. New characters introduced. Old ones brought back in in odd ways.
It was good, I definitely read through it quickly and stayed interested. Just can't give it more than 3 stars. Obvi I'm onto book 4 now, because I've invested this much time in... Might as well follow the story through!
By Tara Brown and Meg Browne
Third book in the series gets 3 stars. Too much torture-y stuff and repeating plot for my liking. How many times can these girls go back to the crime scene? Anyway, we find out who-done-it (sort of) in this book but we don't know why or who else is involved in the bigger scheme.
POV changes again, which is always takes me a bit to get into. New characters introduced. Old ones brought back in in odd ways.
It was good, I definitely read through it quickly and stayed interested. Just can't give it more than 3 stars. Obvi I'm onto book 4 now, because I've invested this much time in... Might as well follow the story through!
March 16, 2022
Decent YA Read
Although I see this series as a Pretty Little Liars knock-off, it has some good plot twists. My biggest issue is the number of spelling mistakes and obvious typos. I do think this is a great series for teens and young adults and for a quick read or palate cleanser after a heavy book.
Although I see this series as a Pretty Little Liars knock-off, it has some good plot twists. My biggest issue is the number of spelling mistakes and obvious typos. I do think this is a great series for teens and young adults and for a quick read or palate cleanser after a heavy book.
May 26, 2016
Uggh!!!
The thought of having to wait for the next book is killing me! So far I have no clue who is good and who is bad, aside from the obvious, and I don't even trust that. Tara has done a great job at keeping the suspense going with very few clues. Awesome book!
The thought of having to wait for the next book is killing me! So far I have no clue who is good and who is bad, aside from the obvious, and I don't even trust that. Tara has done a great job at keeping the suspense going with very few clues. Awesome book!
May 22, 2016
OMG. I need more!!!! I need the 4th book to be out already!!!!! This was amazing! I love how the narrative changes each book to a different girl and it was good to see it all from Sierra's point of view. So engrossing from start to finish!
May 24, 2016
I just love this series. It's like Gossip Girl meets Pretty Little Liars meets I know what you did last summer. It's gripping and full of action that keeps you anxiously flipping pages wanting more. It's addictive and I can't wait for the next instalment.
May 29, 2016
OMG!!! I baffled! i thought it was her but now there is more!!! i can't wait for the next book!!! anyway it was well written. kept me coming back to see what would happen next. twisted mystery but i love it!!!
April 22, 2018
The third book in the series reveals even more secrets about Crimson Grove's past.
The mystery about Rachel's death remains unsolved, and then Sierra also disappears. Sierra is kidnapped, starved, tortured, and then ends up in an abandoned hospital wing. Her father and the hospital staff originally think that she cut herself and locked herself in the wing because of the stress that she was under due to her parents' pending divorce. Sierra and her friends know that it is just the killer toying with their lives again. They must find a way to get Sierra out of the hospital and to keep her safe from the killer. As Sierra is in the hospital she meets Finn, a strange boy who seems to be her only companion while there.
This book definitely has the most action/horror elements in the entire series, especially with the scenes where Sierra was tortured during her kidnapping. It wasn't so gory that I felt sick, but it would definitely appeal to people who like thriller and horror elements.
The worldbuilding definitely improved in this book, as it takes place throughout several different areas in Crimson Grove. The character development also improved, as Sierra has to deal with the memories of her kidnapping. I was wondering when the series was going to truly delve into how these events were affecting the girls, but Sierra's POV started the conversation. She used to just be a shallow party girl, but these events have started to change her personality completely. In fact, all the girls used to seem shallow and spoiled, but as each book continues from a new girl's POV, we get to see what their true personalities are.
Also, the romance in this series improves with every book. So far, we have Lindsey with Vincent, Lainey with Jackson, and now Sierra starts with her own love interest. It doesn't take away from the main plot, but it definitely spices up the story and increases the stakes for the situations that the characters are in.
This book starts to truly uncover the truth behind Rachel's death, whereas the other books seemed to just try to tie up one end but instead unraveling the whole story. I won't spoil much, but it really starts to get good.
I would recommend this series to anyone who is a fan of thrillers, horror novels or mysteries with a lot of character development.
I received this book for free and this is my voluntary review.
The mystery about Rachel's death remains unsolved, and then Sierra also disappears. Sierra is kidnapped, starved, tortured, and then ends up in an abandoned hospital wing. Her father and the hospital staff originally think that she cut herself and locked herself in the wing because of the stress that she was under due to her parents' pending divorce. Sierra and her friends know that it is just the killer toying with their lives again. They must find a way to get Sierra out of the hospital and to keep her safe from the killer. As Sierra is in the hospital she meets Finn, a strange boy who seems to be her only companion while there.
This book definitely has the most action/horror elements in the entire series, especially with the scenes where Sierra was tortured during her kidnapping. It wasn't so gory that I felt sick, but it would definitely appeal to people who like thriller and horror elements.
The worldbuilding definitely improved in this book, as it takes place throughout several different areas in Crimson Grove. The character development also improved, as Sierra has to deal with the memories of her kidnapping. I was wondering when the series was going to truly delve into how these events were affecting the girls, but Sierra's POV started the conversation. She used to just be a shallow party girl, but these events have started to change her personality completely. In fact, all the girls used to seem shallow and spoiled, but as each book continues from a new girl's POV, we get to see what their true personalities are.
Also, the romance in this series improves with every book. So far, we have Lindsey with Vincent, Lainey with Jackson, and now Sierra starts with her own love interest. It doesn't take away from the main plot, but it definitely spices up the story and increases the stakes for the situations that the characters are in.
This book starts to truly uncover the truth behind Rachel's death, whereas the other books seemed to just try to tie up one end but instead unraveling the whole story. I won't spoil much, but it really starts to get good.
I would recommend this series to anyone who is a fan of thrillers, horror novels or mysteries with a lot of character development.
I received this book for free and this is my voluntary review.
September 26, 2017
So the main character in this book has been my least favorite of all the characters in this series. But.... after a few chapters in, and I have changed my mind. Sierra has always been about herself, parties, and boys. But you will come to find out that after the circumstances that go on in this installment of Crimson Cove Mysteries will change your heart and mind.
Things are still haywire in this book, but something starts to click by the end. I want to love Finn, a matter of fact, I think I do weather his character turns out the way I don't want it too. LOL. I can't resist a nerdy guy/bad boy.
I'm off to read book 4. If you have read anything by Tara and you loved it, then you will love this series as well!!!!
Things are still haywire in this book, but something starts to click by the end. I want to love Finn, a matter of fact, I think I do weather his character turns out the way I don't want it too. LOL. I can't resist a nerdy guy/bad boy.
I'm off to read book 4. If you have read anything by Tara and you loved it, then you will love this series as well!!!!
October 6, 2020
Trapped And Alone
•••NOT for the homophobic, transphobic, closedminded or faint of heart!•••
This series must be read in order. The first book is "Pretty Girls Die First". The second book is "The Little Crimson Lies". This is the third book. I can't wait to read "Four Crimson Corners"!
Sierra has been taken prisoner by a girl with black hair and blue eyes. She only knows that the girl hates her and all her friends... Not why. Being kept prisoner and tortured is excruciating. Will she ever be found? Can she escape? Are her friends even looking for her? What is going on in the real world? Will she ever be free again? Or will she did in this box?
•••NOT for the homophobic, transphobic, closedminded or faint of heart!•••
This series must be read in order. The first book is "Pretty Girls Die First". The second book is "The Little Crimson Lies". This is the third book. I can't wait to read "Four Crimson Corners"!
Sierra has been taken prisoner by a girl with black hair and blue eyes. She only knows that the girl hates her and all her friends... Not why. Being kept prisoner and tortured is excruciating. Will she ever be found? Can she escape? Are her friends even looking for her? What is going on in the real world? Will she ever be free again? Or will she did in this box?
April 24, 2018
This book was more than I ever expected.
When I started the Crimson Cove Series I never imagined how much I would fall in love with these books. Tara Brown is an amazing writer and everything I have read that she has wrote I have instantly enjoyed. Third Time’s A Charm continues on with Sierra’s point of view right after she was abducted and it ends with a bang. I can’t wait to start reading Four Corners.
When I started the Crimson Cove Series I never imagined how much I would fall in love with these books. Tara Brown is an amazing writer and everything I have read that she has wrote I have instantly enjoyed. Third Time’s A Charm continues on with Sierra’s point of view right after she was abducted and it ends with a bang. I can’t wait to start reading Four Corners.
July 14, 2020
Very good next part of the whole series... intriguing events and new clues...
The concept of narration given to another member of main team of female characters wasn't so exiting initially (most of the team is just mean girls) but the idea of showing the reader that each girl is likable by giving her a voice in this story is quite interesting.
I just hope that the final explanation of the whole drama won't be too simple and disappointing, fingers crossed.
The concept of narration given to another member of main team of female characters wasn't so exiting initially (most of the team is just mean girls) but the idea of showing the reader that each girl is likable by giving her a voice in this story is quite interesting.
I just hope that the final explanation of the whole drama won't be too simple and disappointing, fingers crossed.
April 8, 2020
definitely the biggest filler book of the series so far as nothing happened.
I also don’t like sierra at all, she wasn’t great in book one and two and I thought reading from her perspective would have changed that but nah.
also, this one was very insta love with her love interest. not a fan.
I also don’t like sierra at all, she wasn’t great in book one and two and I thought reading from her perspective would have changed that but nah.
also, this one was very insta love with her love interest. not a fan.
April 6, 2025
Another great read
What can I say that I haven't already, Tara Brown is an Awesome Arthur and writer and I can't get enough of her . please keep on writing Tara Brown , so I can continue to keep reading !
What can I say that I haven't already, Tara Brown is an Awesome Arthur and writer and I can't get enough of her . please keep on writing Tara Brown , so I can continue to keep reading !
July 5, 2017
Very good book!
Great sequel...must read! Did not think this series would grab me the way it has, but I am hooked! Must read.
Great sequel...must read! Did not think this series would grab me the way it has, but I am hooked! Must read.
February 6, 2018
This series keeps getting more and more twisted! This book was read in a day, I literally couldn't put it down. I can't wait to start Four Crimson Corners in the morning!
June 22, 2021
Another thrilling addition to the series. I appreciated how Siera changed throughout the book and I appreciate the little bit of romance the author always tosses in.
June 26, 2023
Holy hell this seires keeps getting better and better...I love the fact all of the chapter titles are horror/thriller movies and all of the Gotham and Clark Kent references best pov yet
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2025
This book is written from Sierras point of view. And I think she recieved the worse of them all. She was kidnapped and held captive in an abandoned psych hospital. We find a little more about who the killer could be. But we are not quite sure yet.
May 29, 2016
Holy Friggin Sh*tballs!
Intense. The story just keeps getting deeper and deeper into a disturbed persons mind.
Sierra and her friends are sill plaqued with who killed Rachel, tortured Jake and is tormenting them all. Andrew is in prison, but he may knew some key information. But can you really trust a serial killer?
After Sierra was kidnapped and tortured, she is bound and determined to figure out just who the heck the killer in Crimson Cove is and finally put an end to their sinister plan.
But it is not that easy. There are more secrets to learn, more bodies to find and a killer still on the loose. Who can be trusted and who will be a suspect?
Don't miss this exciting 3rd installment in the chilling Crimson Cove Mysteries!
Is it too early to ask for the next installment already? Yea? Ok. But I hate waiting. *pouts*
Intense. The story just keeps getting deeper and deeper into a disturbed persons mind.
Sierra and her friends are sill plaqued with who killed Rachel, tortured Jake and is tormenting them all. Andrew is in prison, but he may knew some key information. But can you really trust a serial killer?
After Sierra was kidnapped and tortured, she is bound and determined to figure out just who the heck the killer in Crimson Cove is and finally put an end to their sinister plan.
But it is not that easy. There are more secrets to learn, more bodies to find and a killer still on the loose. Who can be trusted and who will be a suspect?
Don't miss this exciting 3rd installment in the chilling Crimson Cove Mysteries!
Is it too early to ask for the next installment already? Yea? Ok. But I hate waiting. *pouts*
June 13, 2016
The Crimson Cove Mysteries is a psychological, thrill ride from the deviant mastermind Tara Brown. Just when you think this story cannot get any more twisted, sadistic, and psychotic; it does! Seriously, where does she come up with this stuff? She makes me glad I am a poor introvert. Lol.
Third Times A Charm is book 3 in the Crimson Cove Mysteries and tells of the undoing of Sierra. The terror, torture and payback just keeps escalating. Will they ever get to the bottom of this insanity? Tara Brown certainly knows how to weave a dark and twisted tale. I cannot wait till the entire series is complete so I can read it all through again!
Third Times A Charm is book 3 in the Crimson Cove Mysteries and tells of the undoing of Sierra. The terror, torture and payback just keeps escalating. Will they ever get to the bottom of this insanity? Tara Brown certainly knows how to weave a dark and twisted tale. I cannot wait till the entire series is complete so I can read it all through again!
May 16, 2016
Exciting who-done-it
This series keeps you guessing, and just when you think you know who is the bad guy, and why, the story takes a turn, leaving you guessing again. Someone wants to torment the teens of Crimson Cove, leaving some dead. The friends keep gathering clues that just lead to more questions. Who will have the target on their back this time?? Only Tara Brown knows!!
This series keeps you guessing, and just when you think you know who is the bad guy, and why, the story takes a turn, leaving you guessing again. Someone wants to torment the teens of Crimson Cove, leaving some dead. The friends keep gathering clues that just lead to more questions. Who will have the target on their back this time?? Only Tara Brown knows!!
May 21, 2016
Another mystery to solve!
Tara does it again, giving us a twisted story to try to make sense of. Sierra is abducted, the girls start added that evidence to their notes. We are introduced to a new character, Finn who may or may not be in on the whole intrigue. I need book four now, please!
Tara does it again, giving us a twisted story to try to make sense of. Sierra is abducted, the girls start added that evidence to their notes. We are introduced to a new character, Finn who may or may not be in on the whole intrigue. I need book four now, please!
June 24, 2016
This is the least of my favorite among the first 3 books in the series. The story was narrated on Sierra's viewpoint. There were so many drama elements on her part, though. Some parts were boring. It wasn't like the first 2 books. Nonetheless, it was still good. I'm itching to finish the series. Hope it won't take so long for book 4 to be published.
May 22, 2016
Thrilling!
This book had me scared out of my mind! That isn't even a joke! I completely love this series the murder, the mystery, it all has me on the edge of my seat! I literally keeps me guessing.
This book had me scared out of my mind! That isn't even a joke! I completely love this series the murder, the mystery, it all has me on the edge of my seat! I literally keeps me guessing.
June 17, 2016
Great Book! So Great
Absolutely amazing series! Tara has never let me down, this series has captured my attention and held it. The characters and storyline are just amazing. I'm wrapped in mystery here and can't wait until the truth is revealed!
Absolutely amazing series! Tara has never let me down, this series has captured my attention and held it. The characters and storyline are just amazing. I'm wrapped in mystery here and can't wait until the truth is revealed!
June 13, 2016
Crimson Cove book #3
Tara did it again! It's all there; thriller, suspense, enigma, abduction, death.
It will grip you and make you shiver ! !
Tara did it again! It's all there; thriller, suspense, enigma, abduction, death.
It will grip you and make you shiver ! !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews