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Sydney Booth #2
An Influential Murder
Is fame something worth dying for? When social media influencer Cassie hires Sydney to catch her stalker, Sydney thinks it's a straightforward case. But as she delves deeper, Sydney discovers a tangled web of deceit and jealousy surrounding Cassie's life. With Cassie's safety on the line, Sydney must navigate the dangerous dark side of social media to uncover the truth before it's too late. An Influential Murder is a gripping thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end. Will Sydney solve the case in time to save the influencer's life in 'An Influential Murder'?
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 14, 2023
86 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Owens
49 books674 followersWendy Owens is a thriller writer, born in the small college town, Oxford Ohio. After attending Miami University, Wendy went onto a career in the visual arts. After several years of creating and selling her own artwork she gave her first love, writing, a try. It’s become a passion ever since.
When she’s not writing, this dog lover can be found spending time with her tech geek husband, their three amazing kids, and three pups. She loves to cook, watch movies, and play games.
If you want to follow her on social media you can visit:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WendyLOwens
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wendy-...
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
When she’s not writing, this dog lover can be found spending time with her tech geek husband, their three amazing kids, and three pups. She loves to cook, watch movies, and play games.
If you want to follow her on social media you can visit:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WendyLOwens
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wendy-...
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 27, 2023
An Influential Murder is a quick, fast-paced read that’s incredibly entertaining. This thriller is a crafty and original whodunit that kept me interested until the unexpected conclusion. Although it is part of a series, this installment may be read as a standalone. I look forward to reading more books in this series. Thank you, BookSirens for my copy.
March 22, 2023
Wow! I love when a story can keep me dangling on a hook, making me question every character's integrity and causing me to suspect everyone. That’s exactly what An Influential Murder did.
I loved Sydney. She’s a troubled heroine struggling to do what she should be doing but following where the next job takes her instead. I really connected with her on so many levels. Her conflicts resonated with me in a way I’ve not experienced before.
Although I’ve never heard of a case quite like the one that Sydney follows to Las Vegas, it definitely reflects something that could be a headline in our current world. It’s a fresh, original mystery unlike any I’ve read before. I’m definitely keeping my eye out for more in this series as well as this author.
Heroine POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
I loved Sydney. She’s a troubled heroine struggling to do what she should be doing but following where the next job takes her instead. I really connected with her on so many levels. Her conflicts resonated with me in a way I’ve not experienced before.
Although I’ve never heard of a case quite like the one that Sydney follows to Las Vegas, it definitely reflects something that could be a headline in our current world. It’s a fresh, original mystery unlike any I’ve read before. I’m definitely keeping my eye out for more in this series as well as this author.
Heroine POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
May 4, 2023
So there is this private investigator whose father and brother are/were both serial killers?? And she has been tasked to protect and track down a stalker for a social media influencer who has had a recent fall from grace?? Sign me up for all these shenanigans. It's like The Bodyguard meets the terminally online. I had a pretty good time rolling through all the suspects and all the twists/turns. The final 1-2 chapters with the wedding, the impromptu best man, etc were a little... uhhh.... not for me LOL. But I will be picking up the next book when it comes out! 3.5 stars rounded up.
July 8, 2025
3.75 stars. Again a little predictable, but not quite as bad as the first book. Sydney is a pretty incompetent investigator, but I again appreciated the short length and relative fast pace. Fletcher is now officially giving me the ick now.
May 9, 2023
Sydney Booth is a former CSI and is now a private investigator. She feels she can do better fighting crime outside of the lab. With only two weeks left until her wedding, she has promised her husband to be, Fletcher, that she will stick to wedding planning. Those were famous last words. When Cassie, a social media influencer, contacts Sydney and asks for her help in finding her stalker, Cassie is just too intrigued to say no. Cassie offers to fly her to Las Vegas. She figures this will be a fairly easy case. It does not take long to see that Cassie is high maintenance and her enemies are too numerous to name.
This was a well-written, very interesting mystery. I was into this book hook, line and sinker within just a few pages. As the mystery deepened and the stakes were higher, it got even more interesting and dangerous. Sydney Booth is a very likable and relatable character. She has a keen eye of observation and knows more about the legal process than most. This is the second book in this series, but the author gives you enough background so you will fully understand her story. This poor girl has been put through the wringer. I guess this has made her the strong woman that she is today. This was a twisty tale of deception, betrayal and the need to be at the top no matter the cost. I was completely taken aback at the ending. I never saw it coming. I was also completely engrossed in this story to the point that I got nothing else done for the time it took to read this book. So you better find a chair once you start it. I had to know who and why. I hope to see more in this series.
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a well-written, very interesting mystery. I was into this book hook, line and sinker within just a few pages. As the mystery deepened and the stakes were higher, it got even more interesting and dangerous. Sydney Booth is a very likable and relatable character. She has a keen eye of observation and knows more about the legal process than most. This is the second book in this series, but the author gives you enough background so you will fully understand her story. This poor girl has been put through the wringer. I guess this has made her the strong woman that she is today. This was a twisty tale of deception, betrayal and the need to be at the top no matter the cost. I was completely taken aback at the ending. I never saw it coming. I was also completely engrossed in this story to the point that I got nothing else done for the time it took to read this book. So you better find a chair once you start it. I had to know who and why. I hope to see more in this series.
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 13, 2023
Sydney Booth is two weeks away from being married to the love of her life when she gets a call from influencer Cassie who says someone has broken in her home killed her beloved dog Fernando and is now stalking her Sydney is new to private investigating but feels compelled to help the influencer but when she arrives in Las Vegas she learns Cassidy is almost a bigger problem than her stalker that is until someone is murdered during a magic show and at first the police look at Sydney is it because her father and brother was serial killers clearly she must be one to win the soccer chases her causing her a broken wrist the cops may be forced to start investigating it on their own and Sydney almost gives up but flutter like always is there for her and inspires her to keep going but is this investigation more trouble than it’s worth and will Sydney even make it to her wedding? I loved the premise of this book but they were parts of the book I found unrealistic and predictable but then other parts were very good so it was a wish Wass of good and bad but ultimately I would definitely recommend that it held my attention and I definitely wanted to know who the culprit was adjusting to many times throughout the book I had yeah right moments like when she left the hospital with a broken wrist and drove herself home talking on the phone and crying having recently broken my wrist I know there is no way I could’ve driven a car let alone a midsize SUV in a strange town while on the phone and bawling my eyes out but having said that for the most part it’s a gripping story and one I totally recommend. I received this book from Book Sirens but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
May 2, 2023
I’ve never been too sure about those influencers… so much mystery and intrigue surrounding them!
This book was an interesting look into the life of an influencer. Equal parts funny, serious, and tense, this story kept me on my toes and had me anxious to solve the crime. Maybe I am slow, but I really didn’t see the ending coming. I’m not sure Sydney is the greatest detective, but with the help of her friends she does okay. Sydney’s growth, as a person and as an investigator, is openly discussed throughout the novel and I expect she will continue to “come into her own” as the series progresses.
Speaking of a series… Although this is book two of a series, this was my first Sydney Booth mystery and I don’t think I suffered too much. There is enough background information to piece everything together and I was able to enjoy the story as a stand-alone novel. That said, I am curious as to whether the characters we grow to love in this book will reappear in the next Sydney Booth novel. I know it is a little cliche, but I can see a whole team forming after this book and they can all work together to solve crimes. Hint, hint?
Although this story was slow at times (a magic show? This seemed a little ridiculous.) I really enjoyed the development of the characters and the very involved crime. The premise was original and it was clear thought was put into every element of the story, which made the story all the more enjoyable.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was an interesting look into the life of an influencer. Equal parts funny, serious, and tense, this story kept me on my toes and had me anxious to solve the crime. Maybe I am slow, but I really didn’t see the ending coming. I’m not sure Sydney is the greatest detective, but with the help of her friends she does okay. Sydney’s growth, as a person and as an investigator, is openly discussed throughout the novel and I expect she will continue to “come into her own” as the series progresses.
Speaking of a series… Although this is book two of a series, this was my first Sydney Booth mystery and I don’t think I suffered too much. There is enough background information to piece everything together and I was able to enjoy the story as a stand-alone novel. That said, I am curious as to whether the characters we grow to love in this book will reappear in the next Sydney Booth novel. I know it is a little cliche, but I can see a whole team forming after this book and they can all work together to solve crimes. Hint, hint?
Although this story was slow at times (a magic show? This seemed a little ridiculous.) I really enjoyed the development of the characters and the very involved crime. The premise was original and it was clear thought was put into every element of the story, which made the story all the more enjoyable.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 11, 2024
Sydney Booth Series is well-worth a place on your shelf!
Sydney Booth Series is well-worth a place on your shelf!
This series surprised me both books held my attention for different reasons. The first CSI Booth is called to a murder reminiscent of her father “The Lipstick Killer” serial murders. She knows he is dead and wonders how close the copycat murderer is to the original crimes, knowing her & her family’s identity. She fails to disclose this early in the investigation which could compromise everything she’s built.
In the second book, An Influential Murder, Sydney Booth has hung her shingle as a private investigator and her first client is an influencer with a stalker who gained access long enough to kill her dog. She leaves her real-estate tycoon fiancee and flies to California with only 2-weeks to wrap up her first case before their wedding. Booth had to be schooled in the click-bait of Influencing and had any number of suspects. She was shocked that the Influencer had a symbiotic relationship with a papparazo. When he is murdered the stakes climb for all of them …. The question isn’t whether she’ll make it to her wedding BUT will she be alive to have a weddings.
These wee good interesting and at times funny reads! Lighten up and enjoy your suspense with a little romance on the side.
Sydney Booth Series is well-worth a place on your shelf!
This series surprised me both books held my attention for different reasons. The first CSI Booth is called to a murder reminiscent of her father “The Lipstick Killer” serial murders. She knows he is dead and wonders how close the copycat murderer is to the original crimes, knowing her & her family’s identity. She fails to disclose this early in the investigation which could compromise everything she’s built.
In the second book, An Influential Murder, Sydney Booth has hung her shingle as a private investigator and her first client is an influencer with a stalker who gained access long enough to kill her dog. She leaves her real-estate tycoon fiancee and flies to California with only 2-weeks to wrap up her first case before their wedding. Booth had to be schooled in the click-bait of Influencing and had any number of suspects. She was shocked that the Influencer had a symbiotic relationship with a papparazo. When he is murdered the stakes climb for all of them …. The question isn’t whether she’ll make it to her wedding BUT will she be alive to have a weddings.
These wee good interesting and at times funny reads! Lighten up and enjoy your suspense with a little romance on the side.
June 4, 2023
I am not a professional reviewer and writer. I got this copy of”An Influential Murder” from BookSirens. But I didn’t read the first book, so I didn’t have the full backstory. I did get enough to realize I want to read the first book, and to understand this story. I really enjoyed the book. The story was well written. I read it in one weekend.
Sydney, the daughter and sister of two killers, is hired by an influencer to help figure out who is stalking her. Sydney is supposed to be married in two weeks to Fletcher. She promises to be safe and be back in plenty of time for the wedding. After all the twists and turns of the case though, it becomes questionable if she will make it.
The story is well written. I do think the last few chapters were a little cheesy, but cute. Overall a good book and I will definitely be looking for the first one to get Sydney’s whole story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sydney, the daughter and sister of two killers, is hired by an influencer to help figure out who is stalking her. Sydney is supposed to be married in two weeks to Fletcher. She promises to be safe and be back in plenty of time for the wedding. After all the twists and turns of the case though, it becomes questionable if she will make it.
The story is well written. I do think the last few chapters were a little cheesy, but cute. Overall a good book and I will definitely be looking for the first one to get Sydney’s whole story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 2, 2023
Friendly Criticism
I have read & enjoyed both of the Sydney Booth books but I feel compelled to offer some feedback. Please cut back on your use of adjectives, especially when describing faces & voices. It's very distracting & detracts from your story. Also, I recommend one more proofread before sending to print. In this book one paragraph refers to Cassie but is supposed to be Quinn. In the first book, toward the end, Sydney's mother's house is referred to as her dad's house. It made me lose my immersion in the story both times because I had to stop & rethink what was happening. I do look forward to the next adventure with Sydney & Fletcher & wish you many more years of creativity!
I have read & enjoyed both of the Sydney Booth books but I feel compelled to offer some feedback. Please cut back on your use of adjectives, especially when describing faces & voices. It's very distracting & detracts from your story. Also, I recommend one more proofread before sending to print. In this book one paragraph refers to Cassie but is supposed to be Quinn. In the first book, toward the end, Sydney's mother's house is referred to as her dad's house. It made me lose my immersion in the story both times because I had to stop & rethink what was happening. I do look forward to the next adventure with Sydney & Fletcher & wish you many more years of creativity!
March 19, 2023
BRAVO!!
This author got me good, trying to figure out whodunnit!
Gripping and suspenseful this psychological thriller kept me on the edge of my seat until the end. Fast paced, and insanely intense, this psychological thriller was edgy and kept me guessing until the very end who was who and what was what! Nothing is what it appears to be but all is unfolded and revealed at the end!
Sydney is a pro at figuring out deep rooted mysteries. When she was hired to catch a stacker, she thought it was going to be an easy job.
Oh what a dark web the internet weaves. She had no idea what she gets herself into, and frankly I had no idea either.
So well worth it reading!
This author got me good, trying to figure out whodunnit!
Gripping and suspenseful this psychological thriller kept me on the edge of my seat until the end. Fast paced, and insanely intense, this psychological thriller was edgy and kept me guessing until the very end who was who and what was what! Nothing is what it appears to be but all is unfolded and revealed at the end!
Sydney is a pro at figuring out deep rooted mysteries. When she was hired to catch a stacker, she thought it was going to be an easy job.
Oh what a dark web the internet weaves. She had no idea what she gets herself into, and frankly I had no idea either.
So well worth it reading!
May 15, 2023
This book was a quick, fun read. The characters were nicely developed and the pacing was great. The conclusion came as a nice surprise but it made completely sense in line with the character development throughout the book.
I did find the ending to be a little too perfect. Without giving away anything, everything connected together in a way that I'm not sure was realistic although it was certainly heartwarming!
Recommend this author and would read more from her!
I got a free copy of this book through BookSirens and am leaving this review willingly
I did find the ending to be a little too perfect. Without giving away anything, everything connected together in a way that I'm not sure was realistic although it was certainly heartwarming!
Recommend this author and would read more from her!
I got a free copy of this book through BookSirens and am leaving this review willingly
July 7, 2023
This was my first read by this author, but it will definitely not be the last. Although this is the second book in the series, it did not make it difficult to read. Sydney is quite the character, and you cannot help but to root for her as she attempts to throw herself into her new career. There were twists and turns in this book, keeping you guessing until the very end. I found myself invested in the characters, finding most of them to be likeable. I hope that they will show up in the next iteration of this series. I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 8, 2023
Sydney takes on a new client two weeks before her wedding much to Fletcher's dismay. She goes to Las Vegas to meet up with Cassie, a very rich influencer. It seems someone is after her. They broke into her house and killed her dog. Can Sydney solve this case and get back in time to finish the preparations for the wedding? I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 23, 2023
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
March 23, 2023
This was a really good read! Sydney is contacted by Cassie, a young influencer on social media, to find her stalker. Cassie's dog was also murdered. Sydney manages to get Cassie kidnapped. The list of suspects is long and with help from Quinn, Cassie's assistant, they hope to find her before it is too late. I really enjoyed it!
Thank you for the privilege of reading this book!
Thank you for the privilege of reading this book!
May 27, 2023
I loved this book. I couldn’t put it down, it was intense. There are a lot of twist, a surprise ending. This book will not disappoint. It will keep your interest from the beginning till the end. I highly recommend this book. I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
June 15, 2023
This was the perfect addition to this new thrilling series by this talented author.
Although I couldn't stand the influencer and that almost put me off, this book was so cleverly done that I didn't pick up on any of it.
You'll find yourself experiencing a range of emotions while being unable to look away from cover to cover.
Definitely recommend.
Although I couldn't stand the influencer and that almost put me off, this book was so cleverly done that I didn't pick up on any of it.
You'll find yourself experiencing a range of emotions while being unable to look away from cover to cover.
Definitely recommend.
April 29, 2023
I KNEW it lol. I knew of one person involved in this. It was just so obvious, to me anyway. This was so good. I want to see more from these guys. I want to see how Quinn's life turns out too. Hopefully better. I really loved this story.
May 26, 2023
A great book, not quite up to the same standard as the first 'The Day We Died' but a brilliant continuation of Sydney Booth (and her adorable man hunk Fletcher). I look forward to more adventures with these two!
July 22, 2023
2 for 1
I've just finished the first 2 books in the Sydney Booth series in 2 days. I do enjoy a good murder mystery as much as the next guy but it was hard to put these down till I knew how it was going to end. Easy, fun reading. Bring on the next one.
I've just finished the first 2 books in the Sydney Booth series in 2 days. I do enjoy a good murder mystery as much as the next guy but it was hard to put these down till I knew how it was going to end. Easy, fun reading. Bring on the next one.
February 1, 2025
Quick easy well paced read… about middle way through you could guess the plot. Still was well written. Wish it elaborated that maybe Quinn and Jeffery came to the real wedding or started their own blog, got rich. Went into the pi business with her..
March 14, 2023
Great book, kept me guessing who did it the whole time.
April 3, 2023
This one left me surprised, definitely didn't see that coming.
April 13, 2023
PREDICTABLE
Didn’t hold my attention. Too predictable. I skimmed a lot of it just to get through. Just glad to move on to something else.
Didn’t hold my attention. Too predictable. I skimmed a lot of it just to get through. Just glad to move on to something else.
April 29, 2023
Great short but thrilling ride!
What a nice book with thrills and plot twists. I recommend this series. A+ excellent . Looking forward to reading more from Wendy Owens
What a nice book with thrills and plot twists. I recommend this series. A+ excellent . Looking forward to reading more from Wendy Owens
May 9, 2023
The premise was good. I didn't feel like I had to have read the first book to get Sydney. But it could have used a little more back story.
The mystery was interesting, and the was culprit unexpected.
I didn't get a good feel for who Sydney was, it felt like she was lacking some development. I was intrigued by her past though.
I received a copy via Booksirens. All opinions are my own.
The mystery was interesting, and the was culprit unexpected.
I didn't get a good feel for who Sydney was, it felt like she was lacking some development. I was intrigued by her past though.
I received a copy via Booksirens. All opinions are my own.
July 28, 2023
Decent
First book was better but it was still a decent read. I will read more from this author. I definitely recommend.
First book was better but it was still a decent read. I will read more from this author. I definitely recommend.
Did Not Finish
October 3, 2023DNF…Read 25%
September 6, 2025
it was good. I honestly didn't think it was going to be who it was. well the second person and how evil the bi*** was for killing her dog!! wtf!! not cool!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews