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LAPD Detective Maddie Divine #1
A Deadly Blessing
The daughter of the governor of California is kidnapped, and LAPD Detective Maddie Divine is under the gun to find the critically ill teen before time runs out. With Maddie's marriage hanging by a thread, she follows the trail from the glamorous governor’s mansion to the darkest heart of the city where gangs and organized prostitution thrive. She discovers her high-profile case comes with secrets on every cops, politicians, even the innocent. The only question is whether she can uncover the truth in time and whether or not her marriage can survive the investigation. Retired LAPD Officer Kathy Bennett tells a lightning-paced story of suspense that will keep readers on edge from beginning to end. Author's This book contains mature situations and language.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2012
391 people are currently reading
480 people want to read
About the author
Kathy Bennett
27 books63 followersKathy Bennett is no stranger to murder and mayhem. After twenty-one years as a Los Angeles police officer, this retired cop’s authentic crime experience result in arresting stories.
As a police officer, most of Kathy’s career was spent working patrol in a black and white police car. Prior to retirement, Kathy was assigned as a Senior Lead Officer. Kathy also served as a Firearms Instructor at the LAPD Police Academy, a crime analyst in the ‘War Room’, a Field Training Officer, and worked undercover in various assignments. She was named Officer of the Quarter twice, and Officer of the Year once.
In 2011, Kathy her debut novel, A Dozen Deadly Roses was released. The e-book climbed the charts becoming a bestseller at both Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
In 2012, Kathy's second full-length suspense novel, A Deadly Blessing was released. That book is the first in the series featuring LAPD Detective Maddie Divine. A Deadly Blessing also became a bestseller at Amazon and Barnes and Noble who chose the book as a Best Nook Book for 2012.
Kathy's third book, A Deadly Justice released in the fall of 2013 and is climbing the charts. She is currently working on her next book.
As a police officer, most of Kathy’s career was spent working patrol in a black and white police car. Prior to retirement, Kathy was assigned as a Senior Lead Officer. Kathy also served as a Firearms Instructor at the LAPD Police Academy, a crime analyst in the ‘War Room’, a Field Training Officer, and worked undercover in various assignments. She was named Officer of the Quarter twice, and Officer of the Year once.
In 2011, Kathy her debut novel, A Dozen Deadly Roses was released. The e-book climbed the charts becoming a bestseller at both Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
In 2012, Kathy's second full-length suspense novel, A Deadly Blessing was released. That book is the first in the series featuring LAPD Detective Maddie Divine. A Deadly Blessing also became a bestseller at Amazon and Barnes and Noble who chose the book as a Best Nook Book for 2012.
Kathy's third book, A Deadly Justice released in the fall of 2013 and is climbing the charts. She is currently working on her next book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
January 23, 2019
Maddie Divine and her husband Travis are having a hard time. Thankfully she is called in to find a missing person to help distract from marital troubles. Governor Preston Truesdale’s daughter, Tiffany suffers from aplastic anemia and they have found only one donor, Heather McCall. It seems that Heather has disappeared. But then Tiffany makes a bad decision and disappears too. And just when Maddie thinks she is getting close she disappears too.
I really enjoyed this story. Maddie and Travis have a mess at home and they need a lot of work. But what better way to deal with it than to drown yourself in a missing person’s case? You know that this case is going to be a mess just by learning that the Governor and the Mayor are dating. Then the missing donor is found dead and it becomes a race to try to find Tiffany then Maddie.
This is a great mystery that had me guessing from the start. I didn’t really know where it was going and when I thought I did the story went off into left field. But the missing girls are not the only thing going on. There is dirty politics and so much more.
This is the start to the LAPD Detective Maddie Devine series. It drew me in and kept me on the edge of my seat. I can’t wait to read more about Maddie.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
I really enjoyed this story. Maddie and Travis have a mess at home and they need a lot of work. But what better way to deal with it than to drown yourself in a missing person’s case? You know that this case is going to be a mess just by learning that the Governor and the Mayor are dating. Then the missing donor is found dead and it becomes a race to try to find Tiffany then Maddie.
This is a great mystery that had me guessing from the start. I didn’t really know where it was going and when I thought I did the story went off into left field. But the missing girls are not the only thing going on. There is dirty politics and so much more.
This is the start to the LAPD Detective Maddie Devine series. It drew me in and kept me on the edge of my seat. I can’t wait to read more about Maddie.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
November 26, 2018
First, I want to thank Kathy Bennett for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.
A Deadly Blessing by Kathy Bennett is definitely a deadly thriller. This book had me right away when I learned this book was about a missing person case. However, this book was so much more than that! This book really had my attention.
Kathy’s story was something you would see on a tv show. The Governor daughter is gravely ill with aplastic anemia and is in needs of a bone marrow transplant. Except one little problem the donor is missing and no where to be found. You can imagine all everyone who is everyone is on deck trying to track her down. My heart just goes out to everyone involved.
I loved how Kathy Bennett takes bits and pieces from her news stories and overheard conversations, or incidents she held as a police officer. So, this really fascinated me that she wrote this book from the killing of Washington D.C. Intern Ms. Chandra Levy. That story I remember as I followed it in the news intently.
A Deadly Blessing by Kathy Bennett is definitely a deadly thriller. This book had me right away when I learned this book was about a missing person case. However, this book was so much more than that! This book really had my attention.
Kathy’s story was something you would see on a tv show. The Governor daughter is gravely ill with aplastic anemia and is in needs of a bone marrow transplant. Except one little problem the donor is missing and no where to be found. You can imagine all everyone who is everyone is on deck trying to track her down. My heart just goes out to everyone involved.
I loved how Kathy Bennett takes bits and pieces from her news stories and overheard conversations, or incidents she held as a police officer. So, this really fascinated me that she wrote this book from the killing of Washington D.C. Intern Ms. Chandra Levy. That story I remember as I followed it in the news intently.
April 27, 2022
Maddie Devine is a missing person detective for the City of Las Angeles.
The last thing she needs is a high profile case while she's working through personal problems with her marriage as she and her husband both have major issues they need to get through.
But, when she and her partner are called to the mayor's office for a meeting with the mayor and the Chief of Police, unknowing that they are going to be briefed by the Governor himself on a case that involves the woman who is supposed to be a bone marrow donor for his daughter.
And then his daughter goes missing as well.
A very high profile case is exactly what she gets.
This is a story with defined characters and plenty of suspense.
This is the second book in The Deadly Series.
The last thing she needs is a high profile case while she's working through personal problems with her marriage as she and her husband both have major issues they need to get through.
But, when she and her partner are called to the mayor's office for a meeting with the mayor and the Chief of Police, unknowing that they are going to be briefed by the Governor himself on a case that involves the woman who is supposed to be a bone marrow donor for his daughter.
And then his daughter goes missing as well.
A very high profile case is exactly what she gets.
This is a story with defined characters and plenty of suspense.
This is the second book in The Deadly Series.
June 16, 2017
The premise is the Governor of California's teenage daughter is missing, but also her bone marrow donor is missing, later found dead. The same subplot is the marriage issues of the lead detective Maddie and her SWAT PTSD suffering husband Travis. The book is written in journal style from the perspective of the Governor, his daughter, his Mistress (LA Mayor), Maddie and Travis. The chilling aspect is the daughters story line is very probable, there feels a strong degree of believable about it. The characterisation is very well rounded and there were only a couple of places where the characters self questioning got a tad repetitive and tedious. I would definitely recommend this book and try another of this authors work.
December 20, 2017
Deadly blessings
I couldn't stop reading this book its was so exciting the twist and turns I just didn't know who would service. It upset me and I was rooting for all if the young victims to survive and the poor dogs to finally get the safety and the love they deserve. Looking forward to read your next book. Linda Lettau
I couldn't stop reading this book its was so exciting the twist and turns I just didn't know who would service. It upset me and I was rooting for all if the young victims to survive and the poor dogs to finally get the safety and the love they deserve. Looking forward to read your next book. Linda Lettau
October 31, 2019
Good reading
Merged review:
Good reading if you like mysteries.
Merged review:
Good reading if you like mysteries.
January 14, 2019
A Deadly Blessing: A Deadly Thriller by Kathy Bennet (Book 2 of 5)
This is the second book in the series but I feel personally for me that I quickly caught up with what was going on and didn't necessarily have to read the first book prior to reading this one. Which I find very helpful.
I really enjoyed this thriller and have to say that this is not normally a genre that immediately pulls me in. I felt the storyline was engaging and the characters instantly drew me in and made feel like I became part of the story.
As with any good detective story, there were loads of twists and turns included. Just when you think you know what is going on then the author throws a curveball in there. I also found the detail to be very graphic and I immediately was able to put myself into the story watching it unfold. before my very eyes. Inspirational writing style and I cannot wait to get my nose stuck into another of this author's books.
Truly worthy of a five-star review and I would highly recommend it to everyone thinking about giving this one a go. Fab work.
This is the second book in the series but I feel personally for me that I quickly caught up with what was going on and didn't necessarily have to read the first book prior to reading this one. Which I find very helpful.
I really enjoyed this thriller and have to say that this is not normally a genre that immediately pulls me in. I felt the storyline was engaging and the characters instantly drew me in and made feel like I became part of the story.
As with any good detective story, there were loads of twists and turns included. Just when you think you know what is going on then the author throws a curveball in there. I also found the detail to be very graphic and I immediately was able to put myself into the story watching it unfold. before my very eyes. Inspirational writing style and I cannot wait to get my nose stuck into another of this author's books.
Truly worthy of a five-star review and I would highly recommend it to everyone thinking about giving this one a go. Fab work.
March 30, 2023
This book was enjoyable to a point but you really have to suspend your disbelief.
Some of the ridiculous things that went on in there were - security personnel losing the girl they are responsible for and not contacting her father until a day later??? The father waiting with sending details related to his missing daughter for days??? He thinks - I have to remember to send this to the detectives tomorrow... Also there were two kind of unrelated crimes one of which was really really unbelievable.
Anyhow, I think because of the multiple POVs and how some of them (perhaps all) were of various unlikable characters I had trouble connecting with them on an emotional level.
Still the thriller aspect of the story was fun.
Some of the ridiculous things that went on in there were - security personnel losing the girl they are responsible for and not contacting her father until a day later??? The father waiting with sending details related to his missing daughter for days??? He thinks - I have to remember to send this to the detectives tomorrow... Also there were two kind of unrelated crimes one of which was really really unbelievable.
Anyhow, I think because of the multiple POVs and how some of them (perhaps all) were of various unlikable characters I had trouble connecting with them on an emotional level.
Still the thriller aspect of the story was fun.
April 24, 2018
With her mind blowing way of narrating a story, Kathy is my favourite author right now... and maybe forever!.. With so many twists and turns, I JUST COULDN'T PUT THIS BOOK DOWN!. I read all through the night to know what comes next.
This is such an action filled look into a police officer's life. It is so dangerous!. Kathy having served as a police officer, gets us front row tickets into the lives of really fleshed out characters with whom you can easily relate to. In the ending, a death happens which I didn't see coming and it really hurt. That's how involved I felt with the story.
I wish I could give it 10 stars. It's absolutely superb!
This is such an action filled look into a police officer's life. It is so dangerous!. Kathy having served as a police officer, gets us front row tickets into the lives of really fleshed out characters with whom you can easily relate to. In the ending, a death happens which I didn't see coming and it really hurt. That's how involved I felt with the story.
I wish I could give it 10 stars. It's absolutely superb!
January 21, 2019
I was ready for a good who done it and this was a author I had not read before too. Suspense is also in more than one places including a relationship. Maddie is the one we follow to see what can be done having also been given a big one. What I also really liked in this that kept a grip on me was the realism. It also keeps you involved not wanting to be interrupted so you do not miss a beat. This author has the ability to capture you and keep you every step of the way from beginning to end. If the next one came my way I sure would go for it.
April 16, 2019
A Deadly Blessing by Kathy Bennett
A fast paced dective novel. That had me reading up to the end. Wondering if anyone would get caught or if it would leave me hanging. Because I sorely dislike cliffhangers. This book is not for the faint hearted due to strong language, and largely because it talks about the rape of people in it.
A woman that was found for the governor's daughter bone marrow transplant is missing.
Next two girls, best friends. Just up and vanished. Worst yet one of them is the governor's daughter.
Can two detectives find the missing link connecting to two before its too late?
A fast paced dective novel. That had me reading up to the end. Wondering if anyone would get caught or if it would leave me hanging. Because I sorely dislike cliffhangers. This book is not for the faint hearted due to strong language, and largely because it talks about the rape of people in it.
A woman that was found for the governor's daughter bone marrow transplant is missing.
Next two girls, best friends. Just up and vanished. Worst yet one of them is the governor's daughter.
Can two detectives find the missing link connecting to two before its too late?
December 14, 2020
The governor's daughter needs a bone marrow transplant. She decides one night to ditch her security detail and ends up getting kidnapped. The race is on to find her and the girl who is her donor. Through into the mix Maddie, the LAPD detective who is trying to find the girls, whose marriage is on the rocks, who gets assigned a new work partner and life is crazy. A good story but for me a little too detailed; I ended up skipping paragraphs and moving on to just the conversations of the story.
July 4, 2017
so disappointed this book could of been great. I think what kind of stopped it from being am amazing book is you had too many minds playing into each other. I would get confused with all the different story lines. the author never connected everything together well enough for it to make sense. still a good boom but the ending had me throwing the book and groaning like a teenager so disappointed :/
December 4, 2016
Terrific thriller
I was gripped about the abduction of the Governors teenage daughter and friend by sex traffickers who are unaware of the celeb they'd kidnapped. I was saddened by the ending and shed a tear though I didn't feel the characters seem as distressed but I would look forward to reading more from this author x
I was gripped about the abduction of the Governors teenage daughter and friend by sex traffickers who are unaware of the celeb they'd kidnapped. I was saddened by the ending and shed a tear though I didn't feel the characters seem as distressed but I would look forward to reading more from this author x
November 18, 2017
Awesome Book with a Lead Female Detective
This is the first book in the series featuring Detective Maddie Divine. This is also the first book I have read by this author. I truly enjoyed her writing style, authentic story line and great character development. The plot moved fast and with lots of twists and turns. I will be reading the remaining books in the series!
This is the first book in the series featuring Detective Maddie Divine. This is also the first book I have read by this author. I truly enjoyed her writing style, authentic story line and great character development. The plot moved fast and with lots of twists and turns. I will be reading the remaining books in the series!
January 17, 2019
A Deadly Blessing has a well thought out, if a little too intricate, plot line, with likeable characters, dislikeable protagonists and an ending to chill your bones.
Maddie Divine is likeable enough, though she doesn't seem to be tough enough to lead a police investigation.
I look forward to seeing where the author takes us next.
Maddie Divine is likeable enough, though she doesn't seem to be tough enough to lead a police investigation.
I look forward to seeing where the author takes us next.
April 24, 2019
I enjoyed reading this book. I would love to read another one by this author. There were characters you loved and ones that were awful. I really liked Tiffany's character because she was smart and had her head on straight during a really bad situation. I also liked Maddie she was a good female lead. I would recommend this book to others who enjoy this genre.
May 29, 2017
Ok, but the style, laid out as a journal entry, is not one I really care for. The story held several surpises uncovering past events and highlighting the mental trauma by which police officers are affected.
September 16, 2017
Decent police procedural
Some disturbing, though not graphic, chapters on dog fighting. Young adult prostitution/pornography/trafficking and gang rape is also in the book, though not graphic
Some disturbing, though not graphic, chapters on dog fighting. Young adult prostitution/pornography/trafficking and gang rape is also in the book, though not graphic
December 16, 2018
this was overall a good story.. it had twists and turns i didnt see coming.. things happening i was surprised about.. and an ending i wasnt all that happy about haha. it was interesting characters and i liked the plot.
June 21, 2020
Wow I loved the beginning and end!
The storyline was great from the beginning to end. It kept me hooked, never got off the story are got boring.Thanks for sharing it with me keep them coming.
The storyline was great from the beginning to end. It kept me hooked, never got off the story are got boring.Thanks for sharing it with me keep them coming.
January 25, 2017
Brilliant
Absolutely brilliant book by Kathy Bennett, fantastic storyline and characters. I would happily highly recommend this book to any one
Absolutely brilliant book by Kathy Bennett, fantastic storyline and characters. I would happily highly recommend this book to any one
July 16, 2017
Great Tale
Captivating writing held me throughout this story. The book was well worth the read and believable in today's times. A OK in my opinion!
Captivating writing held me throughout this story. The book was well worth the read and believable in today's times. A OK in my opinion!
August 29, 2017
A Deadly Blessing
Compelling story line. Author was spot on in showing characters' weaknesses as well as strengths. Good partnership with the detectives.
Compelling story line. Author was spot on in showing characters' weaknesses as well as strengths. Good partnership with the detectives.
September 3, 2017
Hot action!
This book captured my attention from the first page! Great story line and characters! You won't be sorry to read this series!!
This book captured my attention from the first page! Great story line and characters! You won't be sorry to read this series!!
October 26, 2017
Exciting! Riveting!
The characters were well developed and interesting. The story line was off to a running start in chapter one and it was uphill after that until the ending.
The characters were well developed and interesting. The story line was off to a running start in chapter one and it was uphill after that until the ending.
December 3, 2017
Suspense at every turn
The format of reading each character s dialogue separately throughout the book kept the action current, informative and thoroughly engrossing.
The format of reading each character s dialogue separately throughout the book kept the action current, informative and thoroughly engrossing.
March 11, 2018
Very well done
Not for the faint of heart. This book deals with some very disturbing realities of sex trafficking and the difficulties in putting a stop to them. Well written!
Not for the faint of heart. This book deals with some very disturbing realities of sex trafficking and the difficulties in putting a stop to them. Well written!
March 26, 2018
Another authentic cop story from ex-LAPD officer Bennett. The characters are complex and the ending is very sad.
May 25, 2018
Didnt like the ending
Good reading but didn't like the ending at all. He didn't have to die. I know its just a book but...
Good reading but didn't like the ending at all. He didn't have to die. I know its just a book but...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews