Better Left Unsaid

Case 1:

* Quinn Perry
* Florence Riley
* Gary Bailey
* Taylor Sandel
* Steven
* Dale
* Mr Jenkins
* Agnes
* Bertha Hereford

Case 2:

* The Heart Maker\*

Case 3:

* The Illusionist

Case 4:

* The Perfect Creator\*

"*That's the thing about Gerida. You need money or you need a miracle, if you want to leave.*"
— Serena Parker
***Better Left Unsaid*** is the third book written by MaralinaSakura and represents the third entry into the Maraverse. The book was published on Archive of Our Own on November 2nd, 2022. Focused around the TV show Criminal Minds, ***Better Left Unsaid*** intended to have four original cases, including four 'interludes' between each case. However, it was cancelled during the first interlude, leaving only the first case completed.

Serving as Maralina's second public attempt at a long-fic, approximately 41,600 words were written before the book was cancelled. This was due to changing interests and a lack of confidence to write a book with such complex language and plot.

## Synopsis

### Case 1: The Miracle Bringer

Gerida, Arkansas, is a remote town settled in the middle of nowhere. Once you enter Gerida, there's no leaving unless you have the money to escape. Despite the town's location, Gerida is known for its university, Gerida Academy, where students flaunt freedom.

Serena Parker is one of many young people born in Gerida who wishes for something more. Despite her parents being rich, they care more about going on cruises and leaving her behind to look after her twin brother, Erik. Such a simple and unassuming life couldn't last forever.

To the horror of many, a string of murders strikes the unassuming town of Gerida, leading to the Behavioural Analysis Unit being called in to assist. As Sheriff Dale's assistant, Serena takes on the role of helping the BAU, but can she stay out of trouble, or will The Miracle Bringer deliver her the wrong kind of miracle?

### Case 2: The Heart Maker

Devastated by their divorce, The Heart Maker seeks out recently broken-up men and women who feel they were wronged in their relationships. By capturing them, they seek to show them the 'truth' of romance. Just as they realise the reality of what happened, The Heart Maker delivers the words told to them by their ex-husband: '*You've had a change of heart*'.

### Case 3: The Illusionist

Mocked and ridiculed for their appearance, The Illusionist decided to discard their original body. Instead, they take on the illusion of their prey. Regardless of whether it's a man or a woman, The Illusionist is flawless in their mimicry. They can adopt clothing, mannerisms, and even the voice of the victim. When their family realises The Illusionist has infiltrated their home... it's already too late.

### Case 4: The Perfect Creator

Torn emotionally by the loss of their child, The Perfect Creator seeks to remedy what was taken from them by creating the perfect replacement. Kidnapping babies, toddlers, and young children, The Perfect Creator grooms them to be the child they lost. Their psychopathy will help the children keep up the façade, but when they become lucid, blood will spill.

## Relevant Characters

### Reoccurring Characters

* Erik Parker
* Doyle Foster

### Case 1: The Miracle Bringer

* Quinn Perry
* Florence Riley
* Gary Bailey
* Taylor Sandel