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Harborside Secrets #5
The Drive-By Killer
“You have a choice, Carlee. You can show your real face… or you can die.”
Private investigator Carlee Knight doesn’t shy from danger—but how can she hope to chase down a killer no one has ever seen?
Ever since a serial murderer massacred Carlee’s classmates, tortured her twin brother to death, and tore the Knight family apart, she’s been obsessed with hunting down the elusive culprit police know only as the Eighth-Grade Killer. But her sleepy lakeshore home of Harborside isn’t the only small town haunted by a deadly ghost.
The colorful, welcoming Chicago suburb of Pinehaven is under attack by an unknown shooter. Armed with a dark car, a powerful rifle, and a clear vendetta against the victims, the killer could be anyone. As the local election approaches and political forces threaten to turn the tightknit multicultural community against one another, terrified residents are desperate for someone—anyone—to save their town and stop the killings.
But is there a secret connection between the victims that holds the key to discovering the identity of the killer?
Carlee must race against time to hunt down a drive-by shooter with no known motive, and the chase will drag her into a seemingly perfect suburb’s shameful shadows, from the local church to the mayor’s mansion and everywhere in between.
Private investigator Carlee Knight doesn’t shy from danger—but how can she hope to chase down a killer no one has ever seen?
Ever since a serial murderer massacred Carlee’s classmates, tortured her twin brother to death, and tore the Knight family apart, she’s been obsessed with hunting down the elusive culprit police know only as the Eighth-Grade Killer. But her sleepy lakeshore home of Harborside isn’t the only small town haunted by a deadly ghost.
The colorful, welcoming Chicago suburb of Pinehaven is under attack by an unknown shooter. Armed with a dark car, a powerful rifle, and a clear vendetta against the victims, the killer could be anyone. As the local election approaches and political forces threaten to turn the tightknit multicultural community against one another, terrified residents are desperate for someone—anyone—to save their town and stop the killings.
But is there a secret connection between the victims that holds the key to discovering the identity of the killer?
Carlee must race against time to hunt down a drive-by shooter with no known motive, and the chase will drag her into a seemingly perfect suburb’s shameful shadows, from the local church to the mayor’s mansion and everywhere in between.
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 21, 2023
317 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Katy Pierce
11 books113 followersKaty is an outspoken, cynical, born and raised New Yorker, that’s not afraid to aim her writing where others steer clear of.
In a perfect world, Katy'd be writing books 24/7, since it’s the ultimate opportunity for her to blend her most twisted and thrilling thoughts with her passion for creating page-turning novels for her readers.
With every new book of hers that gets published, she feels she can breathe just a little bit deeper, so, she vows to keep at it for as long as humanly possible, for as long as her audience will have her, and for as long as her husband and two kids don’t vote against her in their secret weekly tribal council.
In a perfect world, Katy'd be writing books 24/7, since it’s the ultimate opportunity for her to blend her most twisted and thrilling thoughts with her passion for creating page-turning novels for her readers.
With every new book of hers that gets published, she feels she can breathe just a little bit deeper, so, she vows to keep at it for as long as humanly possible, for as long as her audience will have her, and for as long as her husband and two kids don’t vote against her in their secret weekly tribal council.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 31, 2024
RTC!
May 1, 2023
This continues the eighth grade killer series. I definitely suggest reading the series from the start, and I definitely don't think it would work as well as a standalone. Each book develops the characters and more insights into the 8th grade killer as well as the new crime. The crime in this book was well thought out and I loved the ending setting it up nicely for the next book. Where is it going to go.
I was given an advance copy by the author but the review is entirely my own
I was given an advance copy by the author but the review is entirely my own
May 7, 2023
Absolutely WOW!! This installment in the series is even more heart pounding than the last. So many incredibly strong characters and this storyline is just full of surprises.
May 10, 2023
Knocked it out the park
I can't get enough of The Bad Ass Carlee Knight PI. This series has me hooked. Biting my nail in anticipation for the next.
I can't get enough of The Bad Ass Carlee Knight PI. This series has me hooked. Biting my nail in anticipation for the next.
May 12, 2023
Great
I like the story. Only took me a few days to read it. Love the characters. Not sure which I'm hoping for, Zack or Ian. I guess I will have to you
I like the story. Only took me a few days to read it. Love the characters. Not sure which I'm hoping for, Zack or Ian. I guess I will have to you
January 29, 2024
I really liked this one! The plot was really intriguing and the motive for the crimes was not what I was expecting at all, reminded me of criminal minds.
January 23, 2024
A Fun Series
Ok I know it's weird to call a series about murder and torture "fun", and the subject matter is a bit heavy, but it's still readable and not super depressing. It also has the delightful bonus of not appearing to have been edited by a drunken chimpanzee, a rarity on Kindle Unlimited.
It's funny how you can stick with a series despite not liking a single one of the characters. At this point I'm here for the story. Carlee swings between obnoxiously self-righteous and flat-out dumb. Zack is whiny. Ian obviously has an agenda but as the series drags on and it's not revealed (though I have my thoughts) I almost don't even care anymore.
Also, this may be a very personal bugaboo, but I can't stand when there's a mix of fictional and real places in a book. It does my head in. Either do your research if you're going to use a real place, or go the Ed McBain route and create an entirely fictional place. And the very idea that this woman in her twenties has a three bedroom condo with a lake view? AND her office has a lake view? AND she's created AI that's practically sentient? Yeah, I get suspending disbelief for a story but yeeeesh.
Anyway, in this one there is mayhem, Carlee gets hit in the head (CTE, anyone?), and then it ends on a cliffhanger. Wait, they're all like that? Yeah.
Ok I know it's weird to call a series about murder and torture "fun", and the subject matter is a bit heavy, but it's still readable and not super depressing. It also has the delightful bonus of not appearing to have been edited by a drunken chimpanzee, a rarity on Kindle Unlimited.
It's funny how you can stick with a series despite not liking a single one of the characters. At this point I'm here for the story. Carlee swings between obnoxiously self-righteous and flat-out dumb. Zack is whiny. Ian obviously has an agenda but as the series drags on and it's not revealed (though I have my thoughts) I almost don't even care anymore.
Also, this may be a very personal bugaboo, but I can't stand when there's a mix of fictional and real places in a book. It does my head in. Either do your research if you're going to use a real place, or go the Ed McBain route and create an entirely fictional place. And the very idea that this woman in her twenties has a three bedroom condo with a lake view? AND her office has a lake view? AND she's created AI that's practically sentient? Yeah, I get suspending disbelief for a story but yeeeesh.
Anyway, in this one there is mayhem, Carlee gets hit in the head (CTE, anyone?), and then it ends on a cliffhanger. Wait, they're all like that? Yeah.
March 22, 2024
3 stars.
for some reason this book was harder for me to follow than the other books in this series. maybe it was because i got into a little slump in the middle of it, but this one just wasn’t as exciting as i hoped.
i am very excited to finish this series, but i do think ill miss the characters.
for some reason this book was harder for me to follow than the other books in this series. maybe it was because i got into a little slump in the middle of it, but this one just wasn’t as exciting as i hoped.
i am very excited to finish this series, but i do think ill miss the characters.
May 7, 2023
THE DRIVE-BY KILLER picks up where the The Faceless Killer ended and is the fifth installment in the Harborside Secrets series by Katy Pierce. I really like the close timeline between installments. There are suspects, secrets and deception along with some very twisted and messed up characters. Get ready for another well-written, page turning, and complicated murder mystery thriller that will keep you reading and guessing to the surprise ending.
Someone is randomly killing people in Pinehaven, another small town similar to Harborside. There are no clues and nothing seems to tie the victims together, even loosely. Can our team solve this case as the cracks in their relationship keep growing? Carlee, Zach and Ian have decided to go in different directions as they investigate this crime spree and finding the Eighth-Grade Killer.
Through all this the 8th Grade Killer is still stalking Carlee and using her friend CPD Detective Zach to help him. Zack's true reasons for getting close to Carlee and his investigation of the 8th Grade Killer will be revealed. Coud the killer be closer to Carlee than anyone could possibly imagine?
This is a riveting series and storyline. I did receive a copy this installment from the author and this is my honest and freely given review. Now I'm waiting to finding out what is waiting for Carlee next and the Eighth-Grade Killer's next move.
Someone is randomly killing people in Pinehaven, another small town similar to Harborside. There are no clues and nothing seems to tie the victims together, even loosely. Can our team solve this case as the cracks in their relationship keep growing? Carlee, Zach and Ian have decided to go in different directions as they investigate this crime spree and finding the Eighth-Grade Killer.
Through all this the 8th Grade Killer is still stalking Carlee and using her friend CPD Detective Zach to help him. Zack's true reasons for getting close to Carlee and his investigation of the 8th Grade Killer will be revealed. Coud the killer be closer to Carlee than anyone could possibly imagine?
This is a riveting series and storyline. I did receive a copy this installment from the author and this is my honest and freely given review. Now I'm waiting to finding out what is waiting for Carlee next and the Eighth-Grade Killer's next move.
May 7, 2023
Pinehaven’s Shooter
Private investigator Carlee Knight is still hunting for the Eighth-Grade Killer. She is determined to find the person who killed her twin brother. She continues to receive threats that appear to be from the killer. Zack is a detective working the case of the Eighth-Grade Killer and his boss is having him keep track of Carlee. Why is Zack investigating Carlee?
Zack and FBI agent Ian talk Carlee into helping them with what appears to be a serial killer case in Pinehaven. They want her help in finding the killer who has been shooting people in Pinehaven. They even make it a contest to see who solves the case first. All three are having a hard time trying to connect the murders. Who are the victims and what do they have in common? How many will die before the killer or killers are caught? Will Carlee’s life be in jeopardy?
The Eighth-Grade Killer is getting closer. When will he make his move? Does he have help and if so who is it?
Is Zack a good person? Sometimes I wonder. Will he redeem himself in the end? I question the motives of Zack and Ian. Sometimes Carlee seems confused and even questions herself. Is the pressure getting to her?
The Drive-By Killer is a must read. It will keep you on edge trying to figure out who is the killer along with when will Carlee be caught by the Eighth-Grade Killer. I will be waiting for the next book.
Private investigator Carlee Knight is still hunting for the Eighth-Grade Killer. She is determined to find the person who killed her twin brother. She continues to receive threats that appear to be from the killer. Zack is a detective working the case of the Eighth-Grade Killer and his boss is having him keep track of Carlee. Why is Zack investigating Carlee?
Zack and FBI agent Ian talk Carlee into helping them with what appears to be a serial killer case in Pinehaven. They want her help in finding the killer who has been shooting people in Pinehaven. They even make it a contest to see who solves the case first. All three are having a hard time trying to connect the murders. Who are the victims and what do they have in common? How many will die before the killer or killers are caught? Will Carlee’s life be in jeopardy?
The Eighth-Grade Killer is getting closer. When will he make his move? Does he have help and if so who is it?
Is Zack a good person? Sometimes I wonder. Will he redeem himself in the end? I question the motives of Zack and Ian. Sometimes Carlee seems confused and even questions herself. Is the pressure getting to her?
The Drive-By Killer is a must read. It will keep you on edge trying to figure out who is the killer along with when will Carlee be caught by the Eighth-Grade Killer. I will be waiting for the next book.
June 18, 2023
The case of the Drive-by Killer was enough to bring tech-whizz Carlee back into the game. Three random people all gunned down from a black car. What was the connection?
Meanwhile, the 8th Grade Killer had killed a little girl that could’ve been Carlee’s doppelganger. This would all prove to be too much for Carlee’s fragile state.
The victims of the Drive-by Killer were stacking up and that included a dead mayor. It was up to Carlee with the help of her two cop friends to figure this one out.
This was an interesting case. And while they were all immersed in it, they were being carefully watched by the 8th Grade Killer. Who was the shooter? And why target these particular victims? Was this something political? Or was the culprit someone with a seemingly innocent public persona? You just have to find out.
A simply engaging read!
Meanwhile, the 8th Grade Killer had killed a little girl that could’ve been Carlee’s doppelganger. This would all prove to be too much for Carlee’s fragile state.
The victims of the Drive-by Killer were stacking up and that included a dead mayor. It was up to Carlee with the help of her two cop friends to figure this one out.
This was an interesting case. And while they were all immersed in it, they were being carefully watched by the 8th Grade Killer. Who was the shooter? And why target these particular victims? Was this something political? Or was the culprit someone with a seemingly innocent public persona? You just have to find out.
A simply engaging read!
May 5, 2023
Drive by killer, the latest book in the series, has it all. Ian and Zack include Carlee again in the new hunt for serial killer. The most tense plot yet, great pace and page turner. While Carlee fights her mind mishaps, eight grade killer intensifies his hunt. Will Carlee survive all the traps and disappointments. Will the trio stay friends after hiding stuff from each other? It looks like they will not solve the case, Zack is really bad detective, but very supportive, Ian’s arrogance is just growing. This only encourages the 8th grade killer to tighten his tentacles and go on with the plan. You will read fast to learn what will happen. Good luck with your guesses. Katy is excellent. Bravo. Lida
May 7, 2023
I really enjoyed reading the next in series, The Drive By Killer by Katy Pierce.
Carlee, Zane and Ian join forces to track down the Drive by Killer. Armed with a rifle and a fast car, the killer is working hard to keep hidden. Will the three investigators find the killer before he strikes again? Are they working together or against each other?
Read this fast paced book by Katy Pierce, you will enjoy her series.
Carlee, Zane and Ian join forces to track down the Drive by Killer. Armed with a rifle and a fast car, the killer is working hard to keep hidden. Will the three investigators find the killer before he strikes again? Are they working together or against each other?
Read this fast paced book by Katy Pierce, you will enjoy her series.
May 10, 2023
The Drive-By Killer(Harborside Secrets Book 5)
OMG!!!!!!!!! How does Carlee survive so many times. She survived another serial killer, but saved herself this time. Zack gave up his badge so he wouldn't have to investigate Carlee anymore, what will Ian give up to prove to Carlee that he has her best interests in hand? We will have to see. I can't wait to find out what they are going to find out about Sharon, so on to the next book, oh wait, I have to wait, bummer.
OMG!!!!!!!!! How does Carlee survive so many times. She survived another serial killer, but saved herself this time. Zack gave up his badge so he wouldn't have to investigate Carlee anymore, what will Ian give up to prove to Carlee that he has her best interests in hand? We will have to see. I can't wait to find out what they are going to find out about Sharon, so on to the next book, oh wait, I have to wait, bummer.
May 4, 2023
Carlee is still working on trying to find the Eighth Grade Killer, but now there are shootings in nearby Pinehaven, and she teams up with Zack and Ian to try to catch that killer before anymore people die. What is the secret that binds these victims? Is it related to the EGK?
Poor Carlee, sure hope she catches this rat soon.
A quick and easy read.
This was another hit in my book for Pierce.
Poor Carlee, sure hope she catches this rat soon.
A quick and easy read.
This was another hit in my book for Pierce.
May 4, 2023
Wow! How much more can Carlee take? This new case seems to be the beginning of the end for the “friendship” of Carlee and Zach, not to mention Ian. Can the three work together to catch the Pineville sniper, or will one of them step into danger without any kind of backup. And, what about the Eight Grade killer! Is Carlee any closer to discovering their identity?
May 8, 2023
Another book in the series where Carlee is still looking for the eighth grade killer while taking on an additional case. She is also trying to find a drive by shooter before more lives are taken. Will Carlee put her life at risk again to find the culprit? Easy to read with great characters. I am an ARC member and this is my honest review.
May 1, 2023
Carlee is on the hunt of another murderer of innocents. Will she make it out unscathed? I’m sure you’ll be as surprised as I was when you find out who the perpetrator is. Open to page one to find out!
May 2, 2023
This was a excellent story about Carlee and law enforcement friends solving who the drive by killer was with lots of suspense and action and a ending that was beyond real. Thank you for your great writing abilities.
May 5, 2023
Omg….what a page turner crammed full of mystery, drama and suspense! Carlee now has two cases to solve. I really enjoyed this addition to the Harborside Secrets series. Highly recommended. *this was a complimentary copy and this is my honest review*
May 7, 2023
Wow.Great read.
Katy has done it again. This book had so many twist and turns.I could not put this book down when I started reading it. This Charlie Knight series is top notch. I can't wait to get the next book.
Katy has done it again. This book had so many twist and turns.I could not put this book down when I started reading it. This Charlie Knight series is top notch. I can't wait to get the next book.
May 17, 2023
The Drive-By Killer
This is a great thriller. I could not put this book down. This book keeps you in suspense until the very end. I can't wait for the next book to find out what happens. I highly recommend this book. Hope the next book will be out soon.
This is a great thriller. I could not put this book down. This book keeps you in suspense until the very end. I can't wait for the next book to find out what happens. I highly recommend this book. Hope the next book will be out soon.
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May 23, 2023Drive-by
Great story. Another one I had to read from start to finish. descriptions of the ki!ler's were spot on!!! Hurry up and find the killer of the fifth grade students!
Great story. Another one I had to read from start to finish. descriptions of the ki!ler's were spot on!!! Hurry up and find the killer of the fifth grade students!
May 27, 2023
The Eight Grade Killer
The Eighth Grad Killer is going to be scary from start to finish. If it is Sharon it is going to be a real mystery how she could kill her own child. I can’t wait.
The Eighth Grad Killer is going to be scary from start to finish. If it is Sharon it is going to be a real mystery how she could kill her own child. I can’t wait.
May 1, 2023
Another awesome story from Katy Pierce. Loved this book. I highly recommend reading it. Carlee needs to stop going off on Her own start using the cop and FBI guy to help her.
May 2, 2023
Carlee just cannot stay out of trouble.
May 4, 2023
The Drive-By Killer (Harborside Secrets Book 5) By Katy Pierce. Another great book full of mystery and suspense. Love it
May 4, 2023
Another book I couldn't put down. An extremely well written story, that is definitely an edge of the seat page turner. Impatiently awaiting the next in the series.
May 8, 2023
want more
I enjoy these: quick and interesting reads. Also super creepy to think someone is running around and killing young people…
I enjoy these: quick and interesting reads. Also super creepy to think someone is running around and killing young people…
May 11, 2023
Another great thriller.
A must read. There were lots lot of twists and turns. Keeps you on the edge trying to figure out who the killer is.
I can’t wait to see what happens next
A must read. There were lots lot of twists and turns. Keeps you on the edge trying to figure out who the killer is.
I can’t wait to see what happens next
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews