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Kristen Conner Mystery #1
Cuts Like a Knife
Detective Kristen Conner goes undercover to find a serial killer who selects his victims - all successful young professional women - in the most unlikely of places - only to find herself as his new favorite target.
Chicago has a new resident; a heartless killer on a decade-long crime spree. When a successful young woman is found dead in her fashionable townhome, a red flag goes up in Washington, D.C. The FBI knows an elusive "organized killer" is at work again. The problem is the Feds have only one tenuous lead to assist local police in the manhunt ... a most unlikely place the killer likes to find his victims.
Kristen Conner is light one her feet and packs a powerful punch - growing up in a cop's home, intense hand-to-hand combat training, and not being able to shoot a handgun straight - all encourage that. Her life is built on faith and family: she coaches her 7-year-old niece's soccer team, the Snowflakes, always shows up hungry for family dinner, and only misses church when she is fighting with her glamorous TV news reporter sister - or relentlessly tracking down a ruthless killer.
Kristen is a good cop but she's never faced an adversary like this. From the opening chase scene that leads her to a back alley where a punk with a knife awaits her, to the climactic scene where she goes one-on-one with the hauntingly familiar man who is killing innocent women in her town, Cuts Like a Knife, is loaded with action, humor, and wry introspection through the voice of its irrepressible lead character.
Chicago has a new resident; a heartless killer on a decade-long crime spree. When a successful young woman is found dead in her fashionable townhome, a red flag goes up in Washington, D.C. The FBI knows an elusive "organized killer" is at work again. The problem is the Feds have only one tenuous lead to assist local police in the manhunt ... a most unlikely place the killer likes to find his victims.
Kristen Conner is light one her feet and packs a powerful punch - growing up in a cop's home, intense hand-to-hand combat training, and not being able to shoot a handgun straight - all encourage that. Her life is built on faith and family: she coaches her 7-year-old niece's soccer team, the Snowflakes, always shows up hungry for family dinner, and only misses church when she is fighting with her glamorous TV news reporter sister - or relentlessly tracking down a ruthless killer.
Kristen is a good cop but she's never faced an adversary like this. From the opening chase scene that leads her to a back alley where a punk with a knife awaits her, to the climactic scene where she goes one-on-one with the hauntingly familiar man who is killing innocent women in her town, Cuts Like a Knife, is loaded with action, humor, and wry introspection through the voice of its irrepressible lead character.
416 pages, Paperback
First published October 23, 2012
66 people are currently reading
447 people want to read
About the author
M.K. Gilroy
6 books128 followersMark "M.K." Gilroy is a veteran publishing executive who has acquired, developed, authored, and ghostwritten numerous books that have landed on various bestseller lists.
His newest novel, Cold As Ice, marks the return of Detective Kristen Conner, a character USA TODAY calls "Miss Congeniality meets Castle's Kate Beckett; a lethal, smart, and fun combo."
His first two novels in the Kristen Conner Mystery Series met with critical acclaim from national reviewers and readers. Both Cuts Like a Knife and Every Breath You Take were #1 bestsellers.
When not writing Kristen Conner novels, Mark creates and publishes book products for retailers, ministries, and businesses. He recently launched a new publishing company, Sydney Lane Press.
Gilroy holds undergraduate degrees in Speech Communications/Journalism and Biblical Literature, and two graduate degrees, the M.Div. and MBA.
The father of six adult children, he resides with his wife, Amy, in Brentwood, Tennessee.
His newest novel, Cold As Ice, marks the return of Detective Kristen Conner, a character USA TODAY calls "Miss Congeniality meets Castle's Kate Beckett; a lethal, smart, and fun combo."
His first two novels in the Kristen Conner Mystery Series met with critical acclaim from national reviewers and readers. Both Cuts Like a Knife and Every Breath You Take were #1 bestsellers.
When not writing Kristen Conner novels, Mark creates and publishes book products for retailers, ministries, and businesses. He recently launched a new publishing company, Sydney Lane Press.
Gilroy holds undergraduate degrees in Speech Communications/Journalism and Biblical Literature, and two graduate degrees, the M.Div. and MBA.
The father of six adult children, he resides with his wife, Amy, in Brentwood, Tennessee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
March 28, 2016
This is my first book by this author. This was a christian fiction mystery. Overall I liked this. The mystery was entertaining. It felt a little light, but it still worked. The one thing that makes this three stars and not four is that some of the dialogue for a few of the different characters was kind of cheesy. It just made me groan a little. I have the second novel in this series and am ready to give it a go as well.
I liked the MC. She was funny. She also had her flaws, but I had a hard time understanding them since her family upbringing sounded kind of perfect without dysfunction.
I liked the MC. She was funny. She also had her flaws, but I had a hard time understanding them since her family upbringing sounded kind of perfect without dysfunction.
January 20, 2012
I really enjoyed 'Cuts Like a Knife'. It is an exciting book that kept me entertained throughout. It is very well written, and although the book is about a serial killer it is done in such a way that I didn't find it harrowing. I liked the fact that the lead character had her own problems to work through which made the story more realistic. Although the book is Christian-based it reads like real life and is not preachy. There were threads left suggesting that the series will continue where this book finished, and I eagerly await the next one.
May 24, 2019
Great mystery, great characters, and addictive read. I loved this mystery novel, and definitely recommend it for fans of the genre (especially fans of Nancy Drew). Kristen Conner is a bold, funny, and intelligent character. Her detective skills are impressive at every turn. I was hooked on this book and I couldn’t put it down. I had already read the second book in the series, so I knew who the murderer was...but if I hadn't then I would not have seen it coming at the end!!! I can’t wait to continue reading the rest of this series.
October 26, 2014
Cuts Like a Knife was a fairly quick read for just over 400 pages, but I just didn't ever really feel all that engaged with the characters or the story. This is an issue I seem to have a lot with books that fall into the Christian fiction genre. I don't know if it's too much trying to keep things PG, but yet again, there is an edge that is lacking.
My biggest problem with the story was the lead character. Kristen is, to be completely honest, annoying. She is angry and judgmental and not particularly likable. She's also one of the most cliched tough-girl detectives ever. Add to that the ridiculous number of potential love-interests and serial-killer red herrings and could no longer suspend my disbelief.
The serial killer himself was a slight twist, but very two-dimensional. There's only minimal back story for him and no motive. There's little detective work throughout the book - everything that leads to the killer is literally happenstance. And there is no way this killer has committed the number of crimes attributed to him. He's not that organized.
And to round out the negatives, we spend WAY too much time with Kristen's family, who are also annoying and judgmental.
Basically, I wouldn't recommend Cuts Like a Knife, and I didn't enjoy the first book enough to read any further in the series.
Full review here: http://ennleesreadingcorner.wordpress...
My biggest problem with the story was the lead character. Kristen is, to be completely honest, annoying. She is angry and judgmental and not particularly likable. She's also one of the most cliched tough-girl detectives ever. Add to that the ridiculous number of potential love-interests and serial-killer red herrings and could no longer suspend my disbelief.
The serial killer himself was a slight twist, but very two-dimensional. There's only minimal back story for him and no motive. There's little detective work throughout the book - everything that leads to the killer is literally happenstance. And there is no way this killer has committed the number of crimes attributed to him. He's not that organized.
And to round out the negatives, we spend WAY too much time with Kristen's family, who are also annoying and judgmental.
Basically, I wouldn't recommend Cuts Like a Knife, and I didn't enjoy the first book enough to read any further in the series.
Full review here: http://ennleesreadingcorner.wordpress...
January 27, 2015
I loved this book! There. I've said it. I'm a huge fan of character driven suspense novels, and there just aren't enough of them in the CBA. Kristin, the main character, is a real person who struggles with faith like all of us. She's strong (but not to a fault), funny, and a darn good detective. Mark Gilroy is an author to watch. He's written believably and honestly about a serial killer without dragging readers through every horrible cut of the knife. Crime scenes are described, yet leave enough to our imagination. I haven't read a book like this since Sibella Giorello's The Rivers Run Dry. Highly recommended.
April 5, 2012
I may not be a woman who can literally kick butt but I certainly love to read about women who can. So when I read the publisher’s short description for Cuts Like a Knife, Book #1 in a new detective mystery series by publishing veteran Mark K. Gilroy, I knew it was probably going to be my kind of novel. After reading it, I was shocked to learn it was a debut novel. Gilroy’s writing feels effortless, as if he had been doing this for decades. Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=3537
July 30, 2012
Loved the book. Kept me guessing. I thought I had it figured out early on. I was WRONG! Kristen made me laugh because she said the same things that many of us feel.
This was a story about a regular person who is a Christian living out her life with real problems and how she deals with them. Just like us.
Can't wait until the new book comes out in October(?)!
I recommend reading this book.
This was a story about a regular person who is a Christian living out her life with real problems and how she deals with them. Just like us.
Can't wait until the new book comes out in October(?)!
I recommend reading this book.
May 7, 2012
Debut Inspirational -- A little slow to start, but then the action really takes off. This story reads like a thriller and is light on the religious aspect.
January 31, 2017
Whew! What a great read! It took me a couple of chapters to get into the first person, present tense point of view for the main character, but once I did this was one of those books that constantly called to me, asking to be picked up so I could read ‘just a few more chapters’. I’m tempted to say it was an intense read, but I think that’s just the lingering effects of the last quarter of the book! The rest of the book wasn’t so much intense as it was compelling.
The story intermingled Kristen’s personal and professional life well. She’s not the most affable character I’ve come across—she tends to be cynical, sardonic, quick to anger, and not at all prone to smiling—but there are plenty of hints that this is not who she really is underneath it all, and for some reason... I like her. She’s not unaware of her own faults either, and I get the sense that we’re going to learn more about her (particularly the effect her father’s recent death has had on her) as the series continues. I’m looking forward to seeing how her character grows, and will also be watching to see how things develop between her and a certain FBI agent...
The other thing I thought worked really well was the journal entries of the serial killer. It was a chillingly authentic voice, and gave the reader enough insight into his mind and actions to build anticipation and tension without revealing who he was. So often it seemed like the pieces should have fit together, and yet... they didn’t. But when they finally did... Oh boy! Then did it get interesting!
I should add that, while the subject matter is gritty, it wasn’t graphic.
This was a great beginning to the series. I’m hooked!
The story intermingled Kristen’s personal and professional life well. She’s not the most affable character I’ve come across—she tends to be cynical, sardonic, quick to anger, and not at all prone to smiling—but there are plenty of hints that this is not who she really is underneath it all, and for some reason... I like her. She’s not unaware of her own faults either, and I get the sense that we’re going to learn more about her (particularly the effect her father’s recent death has had on her) as the series continues. I’m looking forward to seeing how her character grows, and will also be watching to see how things develop between her and a certain FBI agent...
The other thing I thought worked really well was the journal entries of the serial killer. It was a chillingly authentic voice, and gave the reader enough insight into his mind and actions to build anticipation and tension without revealing who he was. So often it seemed like the pieces should have fit together, and yet... they didn’t. But when they finally did... Oh boy! Then did it get interesting!
I should add that, while the subject matter is gritty, it wasn’t graphic.
This was a great beginning to the series. I’m hooked!
January 26, 2024
Cuts Like a Knife is a book I originally tried reading in 2013, but didn't finish as I struggled to connect to the story/characters. I saw the audiobook available from the library, so I decided to give it another try.
I still struggled to connect to the storyline and characters, but the audiobook format made it easier to continue reading. I didn't like the moments in the killer's head and I don't know why it bothered me so much.
It was a nice twist to find out WHO the killer was as it wasn't who I expected. The ending was crazy and I couldn't believe what all happened.
All in all, Cuts Like a Knife was an okay read for me. Parts of the mystery were nice, but mostly I struggled to stay engaged enough to keep reading.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
I still struggled to connect to the storyline and characters, but the audiobook format made it easier to continue reading. I didn't like the moments in the killer's head and I don't know why it bothered me so much.
It was a nice twist to find out WHO the killer was as it wasn't who I expected. The ending was crazy and I couldn't believe what all happened.
All in all, Cuts Like a Knife was an okay read for me. Parts of the mystery were nice, but mostly I struggled to stay engaged enough to keep reading.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
February 8, 2020
Great suspense story! It started a little slow but picked up with lots of plot twists as a serial killer is on the loose in Chicago and Kristen Conner is on the case. I liked the contrast between Kristen’s job chasing a serial killer while still trying to maintain her life and deal with her grief from losing her father.
April 16, 2012
The opening chapter of Cuts Like a Knife is narrated by a psychopath planning his next event, and is spine-chillingly outstanding. The main narrator is Kristen, and her point of view is interspersed with short chapters from the murderer and from a online vlogger.
Kristen is a Chicago Police Department detective, soccer coach for her niece’s team, and almost-ex girlfriend of Dell (it would be a lot easier to become the ex if Mom didn’t keep inviting him home for dinner). She’s just been appointed to a team investigating the murder of a young woman, because the FBI suspect she isn’t a lone victim: instead, she is the 48th victim of a serial killer that has struck six previous cities.
Kristen is a very matter of fact narrator with a dry sense of humour. She's not a girlie girl, but that fits her tough persona, a hardnosed cop in a family where her sisters have achieved as stereotypical women (one is a pastor's wife, the other is a beautiful TVnews reporter). Kristen is not even close to perfect, unlike many Christian fiction heroines. She has anger issues stemming from her father's death, she disobeys orders and while she can hold up her end in a fight, she is not great with a firearm.
It soon becomes apparent to the reader that the killer is setting Kristen up to be his victim, which raises the ante and makes finding him even more important, but then there is a twist... I don't put spoilers in my reviews but I have to say that this one kept me on the edge. Gilroy is good at employing flashes of humour to cut through the tension, and at giving us a feel for the level of horror without needing to spell out the gory details.
As a Christian literary agent, Mark Gilroy will have seen thousands of manuscripts, and must have a pretty good idea of what is good and what sells. Knowing what is good and what is not does not automatically mean that you (or I) can write something that actually is good. But Mark has managed to cross this barrier, and I recommend Cuts Like A Knife to anyone who likes a good thriller. I hope the ending is setting us up for a sequel, because this is an excellent first novel, and I would certainly read more from Mark Gilroy. Just not late at night...
Thanks to Worthy Publishing and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review. You can find out more about Mark at his website www.markgilroy.com.
This review also appears on my blog, www.christianreads.blogspot.com.
Kristen is a Chicago Police Department detective, soccer coach for her niece’s team, and almost-ex girlfriend of Dell (it would be a lot easier to become the ex if Mom didn’t keep inviting him home for dinner). She’s just been appointed to a team investigating the murder of a young woman, because the FBI suspect she isn’t a lone victim: instead, she is the 48th victim of a serial killer that has struck six previous cities.
Kristen is a very matter of fact narrator with a dry sense of humour. She's not a girlie girl, but that fits her tough persona, a hardnosed cop in a family where her sisters have achieved as stereotypical women (one is a pastor's wife, the other is a beautiful TVnews reporter). Kristen is not even close to perfect, unlike many Christian fiction heroines. She has anger issues stemming from her father's death, she disobeys orders and while she can hold up her end in a fight, she is not great with a firearm.
It soon becomes apparent to the reader that the killer is setting Kristen up to be his victim, which raises the ante and makes finding him even more important, but then there is a twist... I don't put spoilers in my reviews but I have to say that this one kept me on the edge. Gilroy is good at employing flashes of humour to cut through the tension, and at giving us a feel for the level of horror without needing to spell out the gory details.
As a Christian literary agent, Mark Gilroy will have seen thousands of manuscripts, and must have a pretty good idea of what is good and what sells. Knowing what is good and what is not does not automatically mean that you (or I) can write something that actually is good. But Mark has managed to cross this barrier, and I recommend Cuts Like A Knife to anyone who likes a good thriller. I hope the ending is setting us up for a sequel, because this is an excellent first novel, and I would certainly read more from Mark Gilroy. Just not late at night...
Thanks to Worthy Publishing and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review. You can find out more about Mark at his website www.markgilroy.com.
This review also appears on my blog, www.christianreads.blogspot.com.
March 18, 2013
***From a 30-year veteran of the publishing industry, his debut suspense is not one to miss***
M.K. Gilroy, 30-year veteran of the publishing industry, uses years of experience and writing skill to craft this accomplished debut suspense—Cuts like a Knife. There he draws readers into a tale of mystery, romance and intrigue with a dash of humor rarely seen in introductory books; his well-done characterizations served up with fast-moving schemes that keep readers involved.
Readers first meet Chicago’s Kristen Conner, a bright and sassy detective who loves her family, coaches her niece’s soccer team, loves her mom and makes time to attend church on Sunday. It’s a routine of normalcy that adds sanity to a life that otherwise revolves around homicide, bad guys and chaos whether petty punks, thieves, murderers or serial killers.
Especially a serial killer recently moved to Chicago from California ready to end his “self-imposed limbo” from six months of tortured self-restraint, something he would never get used to. Still he knew his season of self-discipline would soon end after his “signature artistry” announced his arrival. For today, he was content to sit “…at the precipice of his next great work…” because “tomorrow was April Fool’s Day.”…Full Review: http://tinyurl.com/bu9opjh
M.K. Gilroy, 30-year veteran of the publishing industry, uses years of experience and writing skill to craft this accomplished debut suspense—Cuts like a Knife. There he draws readers into a tale of mystery, romance and intrigue with a dash of humor rarely seen in introductory books; his well-done characterizations served up with fast-moving schemes that keep readers involved.
Readers first meet Chicago’s Kristen Conner, a bright and sassy detective who loves her family, coaches her niece’s soccer team, loves her mom and makes time to attend church on Sunday. It’s a routine of normalcy that adds sanity to a life that otherwise revolves around homicide, bad guys and chaos whether petty punks, thieves, murderers or serial killers.
Especially a serial killer recently moved to Chicago from California ready to end his “self-imposed limbo” from six months of tortured self-restraint, something he would never get used to. Still he knew his season of self-discipline would soon end after his “signature artistry” announced his arrival. For today, he was content to sit “…at the precipice of his next great work…” because “tomorrow was April Fool’s Day.”…Full Review: http://tinyurl.com/bu9opjh
May 3, 2012
Detective Kristen Conner, the newest detective with the Chicago PD, is after a ruthless serial killer dubbed The Cutter Shark. The killer targets young women with successful careers.
Kristen is a tough girl, she grew up in a cop's home and takes intense hand-to-hand combat training.
Faith and family are important to Kristen. She coaches her 7-year old niece Kendra's soccer team, The Snowflakes, she always shows up to family dinners, and almost never misses church.
But things get crazy when she's assigned to the Cutter Shark case. Kristin is a good cop, but she's never faced anything like this before. Will she be able to stop the Cutter Shark before he kills again?
I really liked this book! Kristin, the main character, is pretty cool. She's tough, funny, and not too girly, so I identified well with her ;)
I liked that Kristin struggled some with her faith and didn't come across as too perfect or preachy. She has anger problems, but tries hard to overcome them. I felt like I really got to 'know' the characters.
I never lost interest and was left guessing who the killer was until the very end! Which is a great feat if you ask me, because I'm not too easy to fool ;)
This book is very well written, realistic, and relatable. I can't wait until the next book!
Kristen is a tough girl, she grew up in a cop's home and takes intense hand-to-hand combat training.
Faith and family are important to Kristen. She coaches her 7-year old niece Kendra's soccer team, The Snowflakes, she always shows up to family dinners, and almost never misses church.
But things get crazy when she's assigned to the Cutter Shark case. Kristin is a good cop, but she's never faced anything like this before. Will she be able to stop the Cutter Shark before he kills again?
I really liked this book! Kristin, the main character, is pretty cool. She's tough, funny, and not too girly, so I identified well with her ;)
I liked that Kristin struggled some with her faith and didn't come across as too perfect or preachy. She has anger problems, but tries hard to overcome them. I felt like I really got to 'know' the characters.
I never lost interest and was left guessing who the killer was until the very end! Which is a great feat if you ask me, because I'm not too easy to fool ;)
This book is very well written, realistic, and relatable. I can't wait until the next book!
September 2, 2013
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley.
I think it would be fair to state that:
1) I dislike first person POV in my books, so this review would probably be a bit bias...okay, make that a lot bias.
2) it was converted from PDF to Kindle file, so the format and stuffs might not come out as intended, which should be noted because this book seemed to be told entirely in first person POV, and the POV shifts might not be very distinct after the conversion
Now, on with the review...
(Since the private note became too...crowded, I moved my note up here)
At the time of writing this (Jun, 1), I'm not yet done with the book.
I think it would be fair to state that:
1) I dislike first person POV in my books, so this review would probably be a bit bias...okay, make that a lot bias.
2) it was converted from PDF to Kindle file, so the format and stuffs might not come out as intended, which should be noted because this book seemed to be told entirely in first person POV, and the POV shifts might not be very distinct after the conversion
Now, on with the review...
(Since the private note became too...crowded, I moved my note up here)
At the time of writing this (Jun, 1), I'm not yet done with the book.
April 7, 2012
Full of Tension!
Kristen Conner, the newest detective on the force, does not know that a new serial killer in town focuses on her. Attempting to live up to her father’s reputation at the police department, Kristen pushes herself to go the distance, with her family, in the department, and during self-defense training, but not at personal relationships. The FBI lists AA meetings as a place where the killer met some of his victims, so Kristen begins attending, meeting some others there that help her grow, but all the while the killer watches. Where will he strike next?
This is a great read! Kristen relies on her family, but also on the Lord for her strength. Maybe I am slow, but Gilroy kept me guessing almost until Kristen figures out the identity of the killer, and I was on pins and needles with the ending. I would recommend this for anyone who enjoys a hunt for a serial killer, but the Christian adds to the depth. Though there is violence, there is no profanity or sex.
Received Galley from NetGalley.com
Published by Worthy Publishing, April 3, 2012.
Kristen Conner, the newest detective on the force, does not know that a new serial killer in town focuses on her. Attempting to live up to her father’s reputation at the police department, Kristen pushes herself to go the distance, with her family, in the department, and during self-defense training, but not at personal relationships. The FBI lists AA meetings as a place where the killer met some of his victims, so Kristen begins attending, meeting some others there that help her grow, but all the while the killer watches. Where will he strike next?
This is a great read! Kristen relies on her family, but also on the Lord for her strength. Maybe I am slow, but Gilroy kept me guessing almost until Kristen figures out the identity of the killer, and I was on pins and needles with the ending. I would recommend this for anyone who enjoys a hunt for a serial killer, but the Christian adds to the depth. Though there is violence, there is no profanity or sex.
Received Galley from NetGalley.com
Published by Worthy Publishing, April 3, 2012.
June 12, 2012
Detective Krtisten Conner of the Chicago Police is hot on the trail of a serial killer known as the Cutter Shark, who's been targeting young women with successful careers. Either helped or hindered by her firey temper (depending on how you look at it), she is determined to bring the killer to justice despite interference from her mother, two sisters, and a guy she just met at her church who just does not seem to take no for an answer.
A fast-moving read with feisty Kristen very believeable. Is is easy to relate with her in her dealings with her "helicopter" family who really mean well but whom Kristen often finds annoying. The Christian bent has a strong presence but not too overbearig. A satisfying read for those wanting fast-paced suspense but don't want the graphic sex scenes often found in other suspense novels; nothing of the sort is found here.
A fast-moving read with feisty Kristen very believeable. Is is easy to relate with her in her dealings with her "helicopter" family who really mean well but whom Kristen often finds annoying. The Christian bent has a strong presence but not too overbearig. A satisfying read for those wanting fast-paced suspense but don't want the graphic sex scenes often found in other suspense novels; nothing of the sort is found here.
April 4, 2012
This story takes place in Chicago and centers on the main character of Detective Kristen Conner. The action in this book was excellent. I liked how the main characters interacted with each other. I really enjoyed the conversations throughout the story and felt they all fit in and helped move the story along. The story itself was well written and I liked the mystery and conflict that the story contained.
I gave this book 5/5 stars and would recommend it to anyone who likes a good action filled mystery staring a strong woman character.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
I gave this book 5/5 stars and would recommend it to anyone who likes a good action filled mystery staring a strong woman character.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
February 23, 2012
I thought I had this book figured out right from the start but then I was completely surprised! I love it when a book can do that! It was a slow go at first, but once I got into, I could not put it down! This book highlighted the best of society and life and the worst as well by the contrast of the main character and her family and then with journal of the "Cutter Shark". I would highly recommend this for a suspenseful good read!
July 20, 2012
I loved this book and look forward to reading more of this authors books in the future.
I thought the dialogue was witty and interesting and I really enjoyed the main character because she was feisty,spunky and had problems to boot so you could relate to her.
I appreciated the mystery/thriller aspect of it because it was not creepy,even though it is about a serial killer which is usually a huge turn off for me.
I highly recommend this book.
I thought the dialogue was witty and interesting and I really enjoyed the main character because she was feisty,spunky and had problems to boot so you could relate to her.
I appreciated the mystery/thriller aspect of it because it was not creepy,even though it is about a serial killer which is usually a huge turn off for me.
I highly recommend this book.
February 2, 2014
3.75 stars. Kristen Conner is a Chicago PD detective, when a serial killer starts carving up professional woman in their homes. Then the FBI comes to town because he has done this in many other cities, and left no meaningful clues. Pressure mounts, exacerbated by a video blogger who hates the mayor. Gilroy does a decent job with cloaking the identity of the killer, even when Kristen herself becomes a target.
January 11, 2012
Good book. I enjoyed the character of the police woman. The author threw in a second love interest but didn't develop it may be part of a new story that was hinted at in the end. I will recommend it to customers.
April 18, 2012
I read Cuts Like a Knife two weeks ago and I'm still thinking about the characters, the plot, the suspense. And I've even read a couple of books since then! Very eager to get my hands on the sequel and read what Kristen's up against now. Great book!
May 28, 2012
"Cuts Like a Knife" is a great thriller it kept me guessing all the way through. I found I couldn't put it down. I liked this book and highly recommend it! I'm looking forward to more stories by M. K. Gilroy.
July 21, 2012
I liked Kristen and I enjoyed the story line. For me, the book had too many family scenes, for example the pages
describing the soccer games. Readers who enjoy more background on the main character will find it enjoyable.
Worth reading, and for the most part, very good suspense.
describing the soccer games. Readers who enjoy more background on the main character will find it enjoyable.
Worth reading, and for the most part, very good suspense.
August 18, 2012
Great police procedural about a serial killer and a feisty female detective with a large extended family. Very suspenseful but clean with no sex or language and a heroine who talks to God. Definitely a thrilling thriller.
May 16, 2019
In this debut novel, Gilroy introduces a witty, yet endearing cast of characters. The suspense is taut and moves forward at a steady pace to keep the reader firmly invested in the ultimate outcome of the story. A couple of unresolved issues will hopefully be answered in the next installment featuring Kristen and Austin.
SUMMARY: Police detective Kristen Conner is good at her job, but has a slight anger problem. When she and her fellow Chicago police officers discover they have a serial killer in their midst, they are determined to work day and night to find his identity and put him behind bars. FBI agent Austin joins the investigation, and Kristen and Austin explore the possibilities of a relationship. Can it work with such different personalities, among such terrifying circumstances?
SUMMARY: Police detective Kristen Conner is good at her job, but has a slight anger problem. When she and her fellow Chicago police officers discover they have a serial killer in their midst, they are determined to work day and night to find his identity and put him behind bars. FBI agent Austin joins the investigation, and Kristen and Austin explore the possibilities of a relationship. Can it work with such different personalities, among such terrifying circumstances?
July 22, 2018
This novel was so so for me. I found the pace to be drawn out and I got bored at times.
The main character, Kristen, is a detective working on the case of the "Cutter Shark". I was surprised at who the Cutter Shark actually was considering the book seemed to be pointing to a different person the entire time. That was a pleasant twist for me. I also found it entertaining that Kristen has her own "catch phrase" (No big biggie!) making her seem more relatable. Other than that though, I found her family's meddling ways beyond annoying and found the story to be way longer than I believed it needed to be.
The main character, Kristen, is a detective working on the case of the "Cutter Shark". I was surprised at who the Cutter Shark actually was considering the book seemed to be pointing to a different person the entire time. That was a pleasant twist for me. I also found it entertaining that Kristen has her own "catch phrase" (No big biggie!) making her seem more relatable. Other than that though, I found her family's meddling ways beyond annoying and found the story to be way longer than I believed it needed to be.
September 11, 2023
Wonderful book! It was entertaining and the main character was relatable in almost every aspect! Cuts Like a Knife is literally a book that you can’t put down(or at least it’s really hard to)! Gilroy gives the perfect aspect that every mystery needs: it makes your stomach turn slightly, but not too much to the point where you kind of want to see what the dead bodies look like, if you know what I mean. It’s a great murder mystery and I recommend it to everyone! And if this doesn’t make you thank God for police, than I don’t know what will! Also, is it just me or would this be a great movie???
January 1, 2024
This book was about a police detective. " A CLEAN READ" It reads pretty good but not great. It did start to slow down in the middle a bit. I enjoyed the book a lot. The last 100 page really grabs your attention. Will I get and read the 2nd book in the series... YES. Will I read #2 next... NO. The second book can wait on the shelf awhile. With me saying NO, does not mean this is not one for a reader to get. I love my clean reads... so put this one on your list.
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