Serial Killer Thriller Archives

July 9, 2021July 9, 2021

Cross My Heart (Hood)-BoT-Serial Killer Thriller-Available Now

By this point (book 12!), you would think that we would be familiar enough with Detectives Kane and Alton that things would feel familiar and comforting, right?

Wrong!

While there is a lot that you can take for granted (especially if you’ve read any number of the previous 11 books) this author has a talent for upping the game each time, making every new installment seem just as fresh as the previous one.

It’s a tough task, especially in a series with this kind of longevity, but I’m always impressed with the author’s ability to keep things moving and non-repetitive.

I’ve made clear in the past how I sometimes have trouble writing reviews of crime thrillers. I truly think they’re best experienced if people come into them knowing as little as possible. I know that others don’t share my opinion, and they often mention spoilers or other bits that can ruin a twist or surprise.

You won’t get that here.

Amazon: https://geni.us/B09297Z5ZCcover
Apple: http://ow.ly/cJHp50En92F
Kobo: http://ow.ly/3Sei50EmlfN
Google: http://ow.ly/iAs650En95U

I will say that if you’ve read the past books in the series, you may feel a sense of déjà vu about this one. There’s good reason for it, but don’t for a second think that you will get a rehash of the earlier book.

The author does a stellar job of making everything old seem new again. Yes, there are familiar faces and events, but it doesn’t feel repetitive. The author uses Jenna’s personal growth as a starting point for how she deals with everything this time around.

This is also one of the more atmospheric stories of the series. I’m not sure if it’s because it is set around Halloween? That’s one of those things that can instantly put me in a spooky frame of mind – or at least be more open to the spookiness of what would otherwise be normal events.

As with past books as well, we get alternating points of view throughout. I really enjoy how the author manages to get into the mind of the villain – it gives insight to the motivations as well adding an extra layer of creepiness.

I can’t say it enough times: these stories never get old, and the author outdoes herself each time. As always, even though it can be read as a standalone, this one, in particular, would be best if you’ve read the previous books.

So, go out and grab them first! 😊

Facebook: dkhoodauthor
Twitter: @DKHood_Author
Instagram: d.k.hood/

Author Bio:

D.K Hood is THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, USA TODAY, and Amazon Bestselling Author of The Kane and Alton Series. She is a member of International Thriller Writers, Australian Crime Writers Association, and Sisters in Crime Australia.

D.K. lives very quietly with her husband enjoys her beautiful garden filled with birds and water dragons. The dogs and cats in her stories are reminiscent of her wonderful companions. Website: http://www.dkhood.com/

December 11, 2020December 10, 2020

Deadline-Blog Tour (Review)-Thriller-Available Now

I really enjoyed the set up for this book. Seemingly disparate people are visited in different situations, but they all end up in the same result.

Dead.

It reminded me of the beginning of a television show or movie, because it set the stage for the reader to try to figure out what the victims had in common. I liked that challenge.

And there is a challenge in this book. There is a lot going on. Fair warning: do NOT try to read this when you are distracted or on the fly when you have time for a few pages.

The author has crafted a story that demands attention to detail as the plot twists its way from serial killers to political intrigue, from police procedural to morality story.

Trust me, it all works for one page-turner of a book.

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2UAjMok
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3kALBrp
Waterstones: https://bit.ly/3kAt0Me

I thought the pairing of a fallen WaPo writer (American) and a female officer with a secret she struggles to keep hidden (British) was unique. Their baggage both hinders them and gives them insights to the problems at hand.

They both also have something to prove which drives them to discover who the perpetrator is. I don’t know if it was just me, but there were a few times that I felt like they were competing against each other. Not overtly, but just…I dunno. Just a feeling.

I thought the use of red herrings and unexpected twists was well-done. They all seemed natural and none of them were of the “gotcha/wait what?” type. You know, the ones that come out of nowhere and leave you scratching your head?

Oh, and don’t get too attached to any of the characters. You can probably guess why, but I will neither confirm nor deny if your guess is accurate.

I really got into this book. It allowed me to sink into another world and be absorbed by a fast-moving plot with interesting characters.

Not a book vacation, but a definite brain-break that I enjoyed immensely.

**Twitter:** @GradusPrimus
**Instagram:** primusgradus

About Geoff Major:

A long time ago, Geoff Major had an idea for a story, whilst walking his girls to primary school. Two years ago, he decided he had the time and patience to try to write the story down. His wife was wholly supportive, so he turned from full-time to part-time for four months and now – 23 years after that idea first popped into his head – it has been published.

As a self-employed business consultant for 18 years and a fundraising adventurer for 10 years (including ski-trekking 50 miles, over 6 days and 6 nights, to the geographic North Pole), he now works for a debt charity whilst plotting his next three books.

Blog: https://lets-start-at-the-very-beginning.blogspot.com/

December 4, 2020December 4, 2020

Wildflower Graves-Books On Tour (Review)-Mystery Thriller-Available Now

I used to love to re-read early books in a series each time a new book would come out. I did that countless times over the years (as a result, I feel like I often memorized the first couple books because I read them many more times).

I don’t have time for that anymore, so I have to make do with re-reading my reviews of previous books. It’s not as effective, but at least it gives me a quick reminder as to where plot lines ended up.

And then there are the books that stick with me. All I have to do is see a character name or location and it all comes back to me.

Why do I tell you all of that?

Because without a doubt, this book falls into the latter category.

Is it because it’s set in an around the Appalachian region, so it’s familiar territory? Maybe.

Is it because the heroine and other characters are memorable? Sure.

Is it because the previous plot was so shocking that I can’t forget how it all tied together?

Definitely.

Amazon: https://geni.us/B08DJCY4D7Social
Apple: http://ow.ly/YQED50AOUvs
Kobo: http://ow.ly/SVgL50AOUuJ
Googleplay: http://ow.ly/WH5C50AOUy3

This one takes place only three weeks after The Silent Dolls, and as with that book, the author jumps right into the action and doesn’t let up.

There is just a way that Ms. Herron tells a story that grabs me and doesn’t let go.

Ellie is still carrying heavy baggage from the revelations in The Silent Dolls, so (as she is wont to do) she heads out to hike the Appalachians to clear her head…where she promptly discovers a body posed in a very ritualistic manner.

And that’s just in the first couple of chapters.

Once again, the author has crafted a sinuous plot that twists its way through, winding the reader into the story. All of the characters from the first book still have issues. For some, this case gets much more personal

I liked the use of the childhood rhyme. I liked how the serial killer left the clues. And (oddly) I liked the motivations. I thought the whole thing was just overall really well done.

I’ve mentioned before that it can be difficult to write a review for crime/mystery books. I hate giving away plot points, and I 100% hate spoilers.

I will just say that you’re missing out if you don’t get in on this series now, because if book two is any indication, there’s a lot more to come!

Facebook: authorritaherron
Twitter: @ritaherron
Website: www.ritaherron.com

Author Bio:

USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author Rita Herron fell in love with books at the ripe age of eight when she read her first Trixie Belden mystery. But she didn’t think real people grew up to be writers, so she became a teacher instead. Now she writes so she doesn’t have to get a real job.

With over ninety books to her credit, she’s penned romantic suspense, romantic comedy, and YA novels, but she especially likes writing dark romantic suspense and crime fiction set in small southern towns.

December 1, 2020December 1, 2020

Promises in the Dark-Books On Tour (Review)-Serial Killer Thriller-Available Now

It’s hard to believe that this is book ten of the Kane and Alton series! By now, they’re like old friends that I check in on to see what what’s happening in their neck of the woods. I’m never disappointed.

After an explosive prologue (quite literally), the action doesn’t let up. There’s tension in every aspect of the story: the crime itself, the perpetrator’s motivations – even among the investigators.

As always, I enjoy the depth that the author puts into the characters. They’re all “real” people with logistically sound backgrounds that sometimes have direct bearing on current events.

This time, it’s no different. We find out early that the initial crime may have a direct relation to the death of Kane’s wife Annie (that’s not a spoiler). It adds a legitimate touch of urgency to the investigation, beyond the basics of the crime.

Amazon: https://geni.us/B08H5QNTK6Social
Apple: http://ow.ly/Km6850BfJ8Y
Kobo: http://ow.ly/JNOr50BfJ7i
Google: http://ow.ly/Krvm50BfJde

I also thought that the way the Kane and Jenna interacted with Carter and Jo was interesting. There was respect to a point, but there was also some of that aforementioned tension. I liked how Jo and Carter got a little more to do in this one.

The term that keeps coming to mind whenever I read and review one of the books in this series (Her Shallow Grave or Her Broken Wings) is how realistic everything is.

Yes, the bad guy is bad, but he also has dimension. Yes, the investigators solve the crime, but they’re not perfect. The interactions and events are all plausible and mostly seem natural.

It’s difficult writing a review about books like the ones in this series because the plot really needs to be experienced to be appreciated, so I don’t want to give spoilers.

On the other hand, just saying “there’s another serial killer and Kane and Alton are on the case” doesn’t portray the depth of the characters and story.

Suffice to say that it’s another great entry in the series. By book ten, some might expect there to be slip-ups, but I couldn’t find any. It’s still as good as the earlier books.

Maybe even better.

**Website:** www.dkhood.com
**Facebook:** dkhoodauthor
**Twitter:** @DKHood_Author

Author Bio:

I’ve always had a wicked sense of humour and was the kid who told the ghost stories around the campfire. I am lucky to have family all over the world and have spent many vacations in places from Paris France to Montana USA and Australia. I use the wonderful memories from these visits to enhance my stories.
My interest in the development of forensic science to solve crime goes back many years. I enjoy writing crime, mystery and thrillers. With many stories, waiting for me to write I’ll look forward to sharing many spine-tingling stories with you.

D.K. Hood is an active member of International Thriller Writers.