As she scans the dark pine forest, the unmistakable sound of a twig snapping breaks the silent stillness. She isn’t alone. She begins to run but she hardly has time to scream before her world goes black…
On a secluded path near Black Rock Falls, three bodies lie bloodied and still—the arrows that killed them removed, and polished penny coins carefully placed on their frozen eyes. When Sheriff Jenna Alton and Deputy David Kane are called in, they are shocked to recognise the hallmarks of an infamous serial killer. But he’s been in prison for ten years.
Jenna is convinced that the attacker knew the trio and lured them into the forest. But who would want to harm three innocent teenagers? And how does a convicted murderer fit in? Jenna knows she must question James Earl Stafford—one of America’s most dangerous killers—if she’s to save more innocent young lives.
With Stafford refusing to give answers, Jenna is convinced that a copycat killer is stalking her small town. And her worst fears are realised when a local fisherman discovers another teenager’s lifeless body floating in the shallows of a local watering hole with the same penny coins covering her eyes.
As parents panic for their children’s lives, Jenna works around the clock to track down the murderer, but little does she know that one of her own team is now being watched. Can Jenna play the killer’s wicked game and prevent another life from being taken?
Another trip to Serial Killer Central. Why anybody still lives in Black Rock Falls is beyond me 😅 Jenna and Dave have another brutal and dangerous case on their hands. 3 teenagers murdered in the woods, seemly by a crossbow and 3 different killers.
As always this is a high drama case, with lots of suspects and red herrings. They have the help from their FBI friends and need all the help they can get. Another thrilling and suspenseful story from Dk Hood in one of my favourite series.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. Publishes on June 13th, this is book 19 and the series is still going strong.
As she scans the dark pine forest, the unmistakable sound of a twig snapping breaks the silent stillness. She isn't alone. She begins to run but she hardly has time to scream before her world goes black. On a secluded path near Black Rock Falls, three bodies lie bloodied and still - the arrows that killed them removed, and polished penny coins carefully placed on their frozen eyes. When Sheriff Jenna Alton and Deputy Dave Kane are called in, they are shocked to recognise the hallmarks of an infamous serial killer. But he's been in prison for ten years. Jenna is convinced the attacker knew the trio and lured them into the forest. But who would want to harm three innocent teenagers.
Book 19, and this series keeps getting better with each new book. We are once again back in Black Rock Falls with Dave, Jenna and the rest of the team. And once again, we get an intriguing and compelling read. Jenna and her team are trying to work out if they are dealing with a copycat murderer. The story is told from multiple points of view. There were times when I was on the edge of my seat. As more bodies are discovered, and clues are harder to find, Jenna needs all the help she can muster to help her solve this case. After reading how this story ends, I can't wait to read the next book.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #DKHood for my ARC of #TheirWickedGames in exchange for an honest review.
D.K. Hood provides another stunning thriller that is sure to impress all those who take the time to read it. With strong storylines and multi-faceted characters, Hood entertains effectively, while never letting the reader get too comfortable. After bodies are found outside of town with crossbow bolts through the torso. Sheriff Jenna Alton and Deputy Dave Kane are back in the thick of things, feeling that there is a strong connection to a killer they put away a number of years ago. Is this a copycat or has the killer been communicating with the outside to get a devotee involved in the business? Alton and Kane will stop at nothing until they find out the truth once and for all. Hood finds new ways of impressing fans once more.
As the dark overtakes the pine forest, she hopes that she is able to get to her destination. When a snapping twig alerts her to the trees around her, she realises that there are others close by. Panic sets in as she learns that someone is watching her. By the time the snapping intensifies, it’s apparent she will not leave the woods alone, or alive.
A rural path outside of Black Rock Falls contains three bodies, bloodied and laying for all to see. The bolts from crossbows removed with the gaping wounds still open. Shiny coins cover the eyes of the victims, alerting many that something ceremonial took place. Sheriff Jenna Alton and Deputy Dave Kane answer the call, feeling that there is something familiar about this presentation. It’s a serial killer they locked away on death row years ago.
Sheriff Alton notices the signs that the killer likely knew the victims, based on the placement of the bodies, These three teens were part of a crossbow team, but what could they have done to harm anyone to the point of being killed? This will require a visit to the serial killer, James Earl Stafford, to get answers and clues and to how to catch this new killer.
Stafford offers no answers and leaves Sheriff Alton to surmise that there is a copycat killer out there, trying to emulate the incarcerated serial killer’s work. The sheriff will have to take action to protect her town, but knows little about what she can do to ensure their safety. Parents worry about their children and there is nothing that Sheriff Alton can do to calm them. As the team is now in the crosshairs of the killer, Alton, Kane, and the rest will have to watch their backs or risk dying themselves. Hood does well to keep the action high and the twists plentiful throughout this piece.
D.K. Hood has a great following and has dazzled readers for many years. Her stories are full of great action and the narrative flows with ease. Momentum adds to the experience as the reader is sure to get swept up with all that is taking place. Strong themes emerge and keep the reader enthralled.
Character development is key to the series and this piece is no exception. While Alton and Kane have their own development throughout, the secondary characters are sure to show some of their colours as things progress through the piece. There is always something for the reader to enjoy as they learn more about all those who grace the pages of the book.
Plot development is how Hood keeps the series fresh. Even when revisiting the stories of past killers, the angles are new and provide something intriguing for the reader to consider. I am eager to see how Hood will keep presenting these stories and never leave the reader to feel things have gone stale. I want to see what’s to come and how the chill factor will remain high throughout the upcoming novels. While I have been bingeing for a while now and loving every moment, I am almost caught up and will have to wait to see what D.K. Hood has to surprise me with, one book at a time. But, there’s still one more until I get t that point.
Kudos, Madam Hood, for a great piece that leaves me wanting even more.
Big thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Their Wicked Games, by D.K. Hood!
Expected publication June 13, 2023
Talk about non-stop action! Their Wicked Games starts with three teenagers walking in the woods towards where they plan on fishing. The only warning was the sound of a breaking twig before all three were hit with crossbow bolts and murdered. The murders have the hallmark of murders committed by James Earl Stafford—one of America’s most dangerous killers ... but he's been in prison for ten years.
From there, Their Wicked Games is "hang on to your seat time"! I love the Detectives Kane and Alton series. The relationship shared by Sheriff Jenna Alton and her husband Detective Dave Kane is one where each would do anything to keep the other safe. Together with the other deputies, Rio and Rawley, and regular FBI characters Jo and Carter make an unbeatable team. That's a good thing since they are living in Serial Killer Central!!
Their Wicked Games can be read as a standalone but on the other hand, this is an impressive series to lose oneself in!
Their Wicked Games (Detectives Kane and Alton Book 19) By D.K. Hood Pub Date: 13 Jun 2023 Bookouture General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers Rating: 4.5/5
Their Wicked Games is my favorite of this series of 19 books by D.K. Hood. Initially beginning at a slower pace, the chase quickly intensifies. As an powerful, unpredictable police procedural, I found this murder mystery right up my alley. It is atmospheric and put cold chills up my spine. By the end of the book, I wanted more and was eagerly anticipating the next installment.
Synopsis: A secluded path near Black Rock Falls is littered with three bloodied bodies. The killer removed crossbow arrows from victims' bodies and placed polished coins beneath their eyelids. Whoever committed the mysterious murders with precision and care remains a mystery. Sheriff Jenna Alton and Deputy David Kane recognize the signs of an infamous serial killer still imprisoned. Could it be a copycat killer? Jenna and David must act quickly if they are to solve this perplexing case before the murderer strikes again.
NetGalley and Bookouture were kind enough to share this gripping thriller with me. This is a book I highly recommend.
QOTD: Would you go walking through a secluded woods near an area known to have serial killers? Have you ever shot a crossbow?
Another great read in this thrilling series by DK Hood! This one had many twists and turns and kept me guessing until the end. I did NOT see the cliff hanger she delivered at the end! This is a must-read rather you are a DK super fan or new to the series.
Another suspense filled and nail biting in places trip to Black Rock Falls where Jenna and the team are tracking down the latest killer, I don’t know how DK Hood manages to come up with the plots but I’m so glad that She does, this series is one of my favourites and I’m so looking forward to seeing what’s next for Jenna and crew. Five Stars as usual.
Another visit to murder central!! I absolutely ADORE THIS SERIES!! It’s one of my favorite series of all time! DK HOOD knows how to make you scared to go to sleep at night! I love these characters they have become some of my fictional best friends!!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.
When 3 teenagers are found in the forest, killed by cross bow bolts, Sheriff Jenna Alton and deputy Dave Kane immediately begin to investigate. When one of the suspects is found dead in a brutal manner they are desperate to figure out who the culprit is and if they are connected to a prisoned serial killer.
I loved this book. Huge huge fan of this whole series. My heart was in my mouth at one point because I knew from the blurb something bad was going to happen, and as it played out I couldn’t turn the pages of my kindle quick enough. No spoilers, but the ending came out of nowhere and oh my goodness! Hoping D.K. Hood doesn’t make us waste too long for book number 20!
5 stars and a huge recommendation to read this whole series!
When three teenagers head off for a day's fishing in Black Rock Falls, they have no idea they are on their last journey. Once the bodies are discovered by a forest warden it is up to Sheriff Jenna Alton and Deputy Dave Kane to work out what happened at the devastating crime scene along with their two other deputies and visiting special agents Jo Wells and Ty Carter.
Investigating local crossbow clubs, where enthusiasts, including Deputy Jake Rowley practice, provides them with some clues, but discovering a link to a convicted serial killer gives the case a whole new dimension. As other bodies are discovered and clues become harder to find, no one realises how great the danger to someone very close to the investigation actually is.
Once again D K Hood has written a blinder, the case is relentless, the characteristics of the main protagonists are ever evolving and just when you think things can’t get any better, or worse, they do! I will be waiting impatiently for the next book as always.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is an impressive addition to this excellent series and highly recommended.
Another brilliant crime thriller in this fantastic series. I love reading these books as Black Rock Falls seems to attract trouble and the stories are always gripping. In this book there is someone killing young people in the forest with a crossbow. It looks like they have been hunted like animals so Jenna and Kane know there is a detached, emotionless killer on the loose. Another person is soon killed but in a different way, however the killer leaves something on the bodies so they know it’s the same killer. Jo recognises the MO but this killer is in prison, so how can it be him? They need to work out how he is linked to the murders but this proves to be harder than they think. There are some nail biting moments in this book and it will definitely have you racing through the pages. A great read that I’d highly recommend. Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Why would anyone move to Black Rock Falls? Chances are probably 50/50 to stay alive... This time three young boys are brutally killed in the woods. The killers clearly knew what they were doing. But who are they, and why did they kill the boys? Luckily there are ways to figure out who they are, because the police team in town is probably the best in the country.
Such a great read! It was impossible to put down, and I loved every minute of it (now I start sounding like a serial killer or at least a fan of them, oops). The characters feel so vivid, lovable, yet absolutely professionals knowing what they are doing. They all have unique characters, and I love getting to know them better. What a time to be alive when D.K. Hood keeps on coming out with new books!
I love this series! Every book keeps adding characters so it feels like one big happy family! Kane and Alton keep up the suspense in this one as they hunt for clues and answers.
What did I like? Serial killer central it seems like as book 19 has them once again going after a serial killer! I love the way these books just pull you in! We also get to watch as each character moves further into their life. I love this five star series!
Would I recommend or buy! I have a shelf for this series since it is so amazing! I really enjoy the cast of characters and Dave Kane is so tough! I’d recommend for people who like suspense!
I received a complimentary copy to read so this is my opinion!
Gosh, this was a dark dark book and one that had my heart in the throat - too many times! A shocking beginning! A moment where I was tempted to message Ms. Hood to ask what the heck! A character I adore, I love, and a moment when I was so worried! Eeek! And that ending! Oh my, my heart can't take much more!
This tale is dark! I can't believe we went down that beginning! I knew that straight away we were going to be on a wild ride and it was relentless. Many links to different people and wow!
I have no idea what to tell you. I love Kane and Jenna, I love their story and when a name comes up from the past I knew we were going to be in for a ride and more. I need the next book, and I need it now! I am just in awe and also slightly nervous of Ms Hood's mind, and the wicked webs she weaves. Because this tale is wicked.
This book has everything you need and more. The killer or killers, minds are twisted as hell and that reveal, I had to rewind the audiobook to hear it again. I had to double-check what I heard and by jingo wow!
It's a book and a series you need to read and read now!
Three young people are killed in the forest near Black Rock Falls. All have been killed by crossbow and it becomes clear to Sheriff Jenna Alton, Deputy Dave Kane and the rest of the team that it is the work of more than one killer. There are pennies under their eyelids which gives a link to a serial killer, James Earl Stafford, but he is already incarcerated. As another murder takes place the team continue to try and bring their number of suspects down.
Another great read in the Kane and Alton series.
Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and D K Hood for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
This is book #19 in the Kane and Alton series. Whilst it is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone as the background stories of some of the characters are briefly explained. I would however recommend reading them in series order for better understanding. We are back in Black Rock Falls and the book begins with a rather brutal and unexplained murder of three young people in the woods around the town. I've read all the books in this series, and know that some of the murders can be quite gory, but this book's murders were particularly shocking! Sheriff Jenna and Deputy Dave have their work cut out trying to work out who the killer is, especially when the murders seem to be linked to an already convicted and prisoned serial killer!
I was hooked into this story instantly, and whist it does focus primarily on the murders, there is another storyline running alongside which leaves you wondering what will happen to Dave and Jenna! The action was kept high throughout and there is lots of suspense and tension in the hunt for the killer. As in other books of the series, the killer's identity is kept well under wraps until the end and I struggled, along with the characters, to work out who it was! There were lots of dead ends and red herrings and the storyline twisted and turned right through to the conclusion!
We are 19 books into this series and it's still going strong! We get to meet all the usual team again, along with FBI agents Ty Carter and Jo Wells, and even with all this experience, they still find the case hard-going. There are surprises and shocks along the way, and I'm really interested to see what will happen in the next book, particularly with the unexpected ending! Again, another exciting and fast paced read which I thoroughly enjoyed! Would reccomend!!
I am a reluctant fan of this series. The writing has a rough finish and really needs an editor to smooth out the edges and remove random words that don’t belong. But 19 books in, there is something about this series that keeps pulling me back in. I really like the characters and the setting.
Trying not to add spoilers, but one of the characters made an insanely stupid decision in this book. It was illogical and dangerous, and not a decision a real live human would make. Suspects are not friends.
Additionally, the epilogue was BIZARRE. It came out of nowhere, I didn’t really understand the connection, and that was a really quick life-changing decision.
I fell back in love with Kane, the ultimate man, in the first few pages. The plot and kills are grisly and gruesome and keeps the team on their toes. Kane outdoes himself with his rescue efforts. My senses were on high alert when one if the characters become quite vulnerable during the story. Hood throws a major, major chase for Jenna and Dave at the very end…. But in an exciting new way. Out of all the series I read, I’d drop them all for just Kane. I’m addicted to him. Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the early read.
I like this series fine. The books are easy reads, and they’re fairly engaging. Also, now that I’ve read so many of them, I feel almost obligated to keep going. But at this point, I’m ready to make a drinking game out of “let’s get at it.” I counted that phrase at least ten times in this book alone, and I’ve noticed it in several others, too. They’re very straightforward, easy reads, but I think the author would benefit from a good editor.
Their Wicked Games is another wonderful addition to the Detective Kane and Alton series by D.K. Hood. Book 19 in the series can be read by people new to the series as well as those that have been reading all along. The book opens with Kane and Alton trying to get away for a bit by using a friend's secluded cabin. After their first day and night enjoying the woods, they get a call about 3 people that have been murdered on a hiking trail. The 3 had been killed with arrows from a crossbow on a very narrow part of the trail.
When Kane and Alton arrive to examine the bodies and crime scene they are told that each victim has a penny under each eyelid that was added postmortem. There is a serial killer in prison that did this same thing with each of his victims. Could he be involved somehow or is this a copycat? The details of the pennies left under the eyelids was never made public, so how could it be a copycat?
Kane and Alton begin by focusing on elite crossbow archers in the area. There are 2 ranges which have competitive teams as it looks like there were 3 killers. The types of arrows used for the kill are bolts. The archer retrieves the arrows after they're used and did in this case as well. There are a couple of teams that the detectives focus in on. The one of most interest has 2 men and a woman. They decide to pay them a visit and find out where they were during the hours of the murder.
At the prison, the serial killer is getting phone calls from someone that wants to talk about "hunting". He's allowed to talk on the phone as long as he doesn't talk about his killings, victims, and anything violent. Hunting is an acceptable topic of conversation. After he talks to the person this time, he's very excited at the description of the hunter's kills. Jimmy Two Cents gives the hunter a new target to focus on and to call back when he's performed the kill. Not long after that, the woman in the crossbow group is found dead from a vicious stabbing in a dangerous waterfall area on the mountain. Why was she here with no crossbow? Why were her clothes found neatly folded? Who would so viciously stab her?
As Kane and Alton continue to investigate with their team, Jimmy Two Cents is still giving out targets to the caller. As bodies continue to mount, one of the targets hits close to home. Will Kane and Alton be able to survive this investigation? Will their team be intact at the end? Is there more than one killer? Is there more than one caller? You'll be tearing through the pages as you read this one and you'll have great difficulty picking out the killer/killers. I thoroughly enjoyed Their Wicked Games and give it my highest recommendation. I rate it 5 stars. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of Their Wicked Games in exchange for a fair review. #TheirWickedGames
Their Wicked Games Written by D. K. Hood Published by Bookouture Release date June 13, 2023
“ As she scans the dark pine forest, the unmistakable sound of a twig snapping breaks the silent stillness. She isn’t alone. She begins to run but she hardly has time to scream before her world goes black…”
This is the 19th book in the Kane and Alton series but I have only read three before and can say that this can be read as a stand-alone novel and will have you on the edge of your seat pretty quickly.
Black Rock Falls contains the bodies of three victims that were killed with arrows that were removed. Someone then placed coins over their eyes. These are the hallmarks of a serial killer that was sent to prison years ago. Sheriff Jenna Alton and Deputy David Kane now must find out exactly who committed three murders and why do they want it to be a copycat situation……..or is it? The three murder victims were teenagers and Jenna feels that someone lured them to the woods and to their death. But who would want to kill these innocent young victims? James Earl Stafford is a serial killer that started it all for the town and took quite a few lawmen and prosecutors to put him away. But does he have something to do with these murders? Jenna needs answers so she questions Stamford only to walk away empty handed. He was not budging. As a fisherman is out finishing up and getting ready to cal, it a day when he finds the body of another teenager who also has coins draped over her eyes. Who would want to hurt such young and innocent lives? And what could be the motive? Jenna will soon find out when the killer sets their eyes on someone close to her. . Will Jenna find the killer before the killer finds the one person close to her? This is definitely right up my alley when it comes to mystery thrillers. Not many authors can pull me in from the stare of the book and hold my attention until the end. I felt as though the chapters kept the story moving at a fast pace and there were certainly no fillers added to try to keep the story going. It has everything a thriller reader would want as they sit by a fire reading. This is definitely one to run out and bury if you love this genre as much as I do.
5+++++ stars
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for giving me a copy to read in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.
Every year I select one or two authors and read a number of their standalone literary novels or an entire series from a mystery / suspense / thriller author. In 2023 I read most of DK Hood’s suspense thrillers and in 2024 I read a few more of the latest Kane and Alton novels. I’m commenting on them as a group but if something is notable in an individual novel I will comment specifically on that. All of Hood’s novels are well-written for their genre. The main characters (Kane and Alton) as well as characters who appear in most of the books, are developed well and the readers continue to learn more about them, their strengths and flaws, as we read through the series. With each new novel some additional characters appear. Some of these may turn up in future novels, but most only appear in that one book in the series. All of the titles are page-turners so it is easy to read them quickly. The physical area that Kane and Alton handle, as law enforcement detectives, is reasonably large, includes a lot of sparsely populated land as well as a reasonably isolated mountainous area which contains hiking trails, caves and rough campsites. For me this required some suspension of disbelief as there are always new characters who appear in each novel, some in plain sight, others who try to stay under the radar. For such a sparsely populated area, there are a lot of murders and other nefarious activities. If there wasn’t, of course, there would be nothing for Hood to write about. The one thing that irks me about the novels in this series are the number of times that Sherrif Jenna Alton has been the target of the new, non law-abiding characters in these novels. Should you read the novels in this series? Yes, if you like to follow the same characters, in page-turner novels that have creative, sometimes unbelievable, plots. Do you have to read them in series order? Not necessarily. The novels, for the most part stand alone but as the main characters develop throughout the series, and some new secondary characters are added, it would help to follow the titles chronologically. However, if the plot summaries of some titles appeal to you more than others then start with that novel. The plots and characters are far less complicated than something like Game of Thrones, so the novels would be much easier to read out of order.
Once again death just seems to gravitate to Black Rock Falls. Three teenagers are brutally slain on the mountainside. Sheriff Jenna Alton and her husband, Deputy Dave Kane are called to the scene. The manner of death was beyond savage as someone killed them with a crossbow. To make the scene even more chilling, the medical examiner finds shiny pennies under each of their eyelids. This was the signature of infamous serial killer, James Earl Stafford, but he has been in prison for the past decade. They speculate about a copycat killer, but the information regarding the pennies under the eyelids was held back from the public.
When another body is found killed in another animalistic fashion, they go on high alert. It seems another killer has made his/her way to Serial Killer Central. As is the usual fashion for D. K. Hood, the tension and suspense are high and nail biting as well as chilling. I absolutely love this series. I love the dream team of officers that work in Black Rock Falls. They are not your everyday police officers, but I guess if you live in Serial Killer Central you need a dream team of cops working the case. I have read so many of these books that I feel as if I know Jenna and Dave personally. Dave is a protector period, but he is especially protective of Jenna. Suffice it say I would not want to be on his bad side. He knows how to kick some behind without breaking a sweat. The action is high and constant as they realize they are going to have to play this evil killer's wicked game in order to solve this mystery.
I was sucked into this book from the first chapter and did not come up for air until I finished it. D.K. Hood has a brilliant imagination and a crisp writing style that is smooth and easy to follow. If you are Criminal Minds fan, you will enjoy this book and this series. This was another sensational book in the Kane and Alton series that will leave you wanting more. The suspects were plenty and the twists will have you twisted up inside as you follow along with the team and try to solve this mystery.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of Their Wicked Games, the nineteenth novel to feature Sheriff Jenna Alton and Chief Deputy Dave Kane of the Black Rock Falls, Montana Sheriff’s Office.
Three teenagers are found shot dead by crossbow bolts. The bolts have been removed and there is no forensic evidence, except two pennies left under their eyelids. This raises more questions as it is the signature of Jimmy “two cents” Stafford, a convicted killer who is still behind bars. Another body adds to the urgency of finding the killer.
I thoroughly enjoyed Their Wicked Games, which is another high octane hunt for a killer in the town that has become known as serial killer central, because so many killers want to get the better of Jenna and her team.
The novel opens with the murder of the three teenagers and then moves on to the investigation, via a very unexpected and high stakes interlude (it caught me totally by surprise but has a very Jenna and Dave resolution). There are more bodies and it culminates in an attack on one of Jenna’s staff. So that’s the bare bones of what is a high octane, action packed read which barely gives the reader time to breathe. It’s all go, go, go. It is not, however, only a gung-ho adventure story. There is a genuine mystery about the killer’s identity and a clever plot that steps outside the norm. I was impressed by the way the author keeps the series fresh after so many novels.
The other attractive thing about the novel is the characters. There is a real sense of warmth and friendship in the co-workers’ relationships. They socialise and take a keen interest in each others’ welfare. It adds a little sunshine to a dark subject matter. I loved the ending to the novel, which may mark another turning point in Dave and Jenna’s relationship. It’s unexpected and heartwarming.
Their Wicked Games is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
So me and another series. Have I read all the books in the series? No. Do I wish I had? Yes. Did this affect my enjoyment of this one? Heck no. This is another series I have grown quite fond of. This is a little grittier or maybe I mean darker than some of the other crime series I recommend. Kane was an assassin for the government and killed for a living in his past life. This comes up during the book, so you aren’t likely to forget that. Some of the deaths in this one are a little gruesome. Enough detail that you know what happened but not too much to be overkill.
This one starts out a little personal as Sheriff Jenna is kidnapped and there is quite a bit of action with that. Then the team with help from a few FBI friends tries to stop a potential copy cat serial killer. While the murders are vastly different than the original, there is a small unique detail that links them to a previous serial killer that is locked up. I like how they uncover what is going on to piece things together. There are many POVs in this one including a few chapters from the original serial killer showing his life and times, and pull, in jail.
Of course I was kept guessing on who was killing and why, with twists and turns to keep me wanting more and even a few red herrings along the way. I love that Jenna and Kane’s dog gets in on the case too by helping track in the woods.
If you love crime series then this one should be on your radar. At 19 books strong, this might be the best one I’ve read in the series.
Their Wicked Games is the nineteenth instalment in the Detectives Kane & Alton series set against the backdrop of Black Rock Falls, Montana, and once again, DK Hood has illustrated just how fantastic she is at creating a serial killer thriller that grips like a vice and is effortless in its amazing twists, turns and utterly palpable suspense that have you turning each page more quickly than the last. The plot is original and moves at a great pace with something notable happening in every chapter, so there is never a lull or any tedium to wade through; it is just pure unadulterated edge-of-your-seat thrills and excitement from start to denouement.
Kane and Alton have become like old friends, given we are on book nineteen, and revisiting them for a new case is always a huge pleasure. I have so much trust in Hood that this long ago became a series where I no longer felt the need to read the synopsis before acquiring the latest instalment - knowing that I will adore it regardless as it's part of such a compelling series, and Hood isn't capable of writing a bad book, it seems. When the story starts with a bang and immediately makes for compulsive reading you often wonder where the author is going to take it as it progresses, but never fear, Hood is a master of her craft and continues to heighten the tension until the final reveal, eventually leaving you breathless. Superb, and highly recommended.
This was another intriguing case that the team had to solve. I like that you get to see multiple points of view and the mystery of these crimes, hunting people like animals, kept me reading late into the night. There is enough backstory sprinkled into the narrative that this book can be read as a stand alone but it is better enjoyed as part of the series. I like that Ms Hood doesn’t hit you over the head constantly re-capping who everyone is and how they came to connect.
I enjoy suspense that involves serial killers and with the MO closely linked to one already incarcerated the intrigue had me hooked. A solid addition to the series. I think fans of Melinda Leigh, Karen Rose and Kendra Elliot would enjoy this book/series.
Quibbles- “let’s get at it” has become so repetitive as to be cliche. Also the 2 fbi agents acting subordinate to both this (relatively)newbie sherif and her deputy is stretching the bounds of credibility. Lastly, this small town having a morgue and high tech gadgetry that seems to expand with each book is becoming quite jarring. The big plus - The heartwarming epilogue makes me sure to want to keep going with the series. I want to learn more about Tauri for sure! 4.5 stars. Thanks to Ms Hood, the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Detectives Kane and Alton are back enjoying some time together. When Jenna gets a call that there has been a murder and it looks like a professional hit.
But when Jenna and Dave arrive on scene . What they find isn't what they were expecting. As three college students have been murdered and although the scene has been sanitised. It's clear this was no contract killing.
However, what they don't expect to find is evidence pointing to three killers and a link to a serial killer who has been behind bars for a number of years.
And just as the investigation gets under way. Jenna is kidnapped off the street. With Dave just miliimeters from her side.
But is this the killer or killers striking again? Or is something far worse at play?
That's what Dave is desperate to find out. As he goes off on his own to find her.
And that's just part of what is a fantastic story. As a dangerous killer continues to pull the strings, and the danger to the residents of Black Rock Falls, Jenna, Dave and the rest of the team including FBI Agents Jo and Carter intensifies.
And with plenty of edge-of-your-seat moments, shocks and surprises. This was another hard to put down story. That I absolutely devoured and is a story/series I would recommend to crime fiction fans everywhere.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of Their Wicked Games. 😊
On a secluded path near Black Rock Falls, three teenagers lie bloodied and still—the arrows that killed them removed, and polished penny coins carefully placed on their frozen eyes. When Sheriff Jenna Alton and Deputy David Kane are called in, they are shocked to recognise the hallmarks of an infamous serial killer. But he’s been in prison for ten years. Jenna is convinced that the attacker knew the trio and lured them into the forest. Jenna knows she must question James Earl Stafford—one of America’s most dangerous killers—if she’s to save more innocent young lives. With Stafford refusing to give answers, Jenna is convinced that a copycat killer is stalking her small town. And her worst fears are realised when a local fisherman discovers another teenager’s lifeless body floating in the shallows of a local watering hole with the same penny coins covering her eyes. The nineteenth book in the series & the series goes from strength to strength. Jenna, Dave & the team have their work cut out to solve the case. Another compelling read which, once again, I found hard to put down, edge of the seat moments, twists & turns plus strong believable characters all added to an engrossing read. Roll on book twenty My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Unbelievably this is the nineteenth book in the series featuring Detectives Dave Kane and Jenna Alton and it certainly didn’t disappoint. The book opens with three teenagers who were going fishing being killed by someone using a crossbow. The arrows having been removed and coins placed under their eyelids. Dave and Jenna recognise that the the coins had been used in the same way by James Earl Stafford, a serial killer, but as he is still in prison they think they may be dealing with a copycat killer. Jenna visits Stafford in prison but he refuses to answer her questions. When another teenager is found with the same coins in her eyes Jenna realises that her and Dave will have to enlist the help of their friends FBI Special Agents Ty Ells and Jo Carter to try and solve this case. They are struggling to make any headway when one of their staff is attacked. Can they find out the identity of the killer before they kill again? This is another book in the series that will have you totally gripped. It is full of suspense and tension with a jaw dropping ending. I wait with bated death for book number twenty. Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for giving me the,opportunity to read and review this book.