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Kate Jones Thriller #0.1-0.4
The Kate Jones Thriller Set, Vol. 1: Book #0.1-0.4: Bad Spirits / Dead of Winter / Death Rites / Touring for Death
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B008GYQ5UG
A boxed set of four novellas in the best-selling Kate Jones Thriller Series.
Kate Jones Thriller Series Vol. 1 includes the complete text for the following four novellas:
BAD SPIRITS (Books 1-5): Kate Jones is on the run with a backpack full of money, intent on finding her way back to the United States from Mexico. Unfortunately, a ruthless drug lord named Salazar is just as intent on finding her, retrieving his stolen money, and making her pay for ever having left him. Is there anyone she can trust?
DEAD OF WINTER: Kate Jones is hiding out in small town Alaska when she witnesses an execution-style murder. Convinced the killers are Salazar's men and desperate to stop them from finding her, she reports the crime to local law enforcement, hoping to put them off her trail so she can escape.
DEATH RITES: When Kate has to leave Alaska (and Sam) behind, she runs to the last place she remembers feeling safe: the North Shore of Oahu. Against her better judgment, she re-establishes old connections, and soon faces a new problem in Alek, a gifted carver and avid surfer.
Then a brutal murder and theft of a priceless artifact from a museum is discovered, and Kate's thrown into the middle of what appears to be a violent ancient sect come to life. Her only chance of survival is to rely on her wits...
...and the ancient gods of Hawaii.
TOURING FOR DEATH: Kate Jones is hiding out from her shady past driving jeep tours through the rugged high desert of northern Arizona, determined to stop looking over her shoulder and find peace from her mistake of a gun-toting, former life. Testifying against a Mexican drug lord and a dirty DEA agent didn't turn out to be a life enhancing choice and she's been on the move ever since.
Now, five years have passed with no sign of trouble and Kate's finally starting to believe she's safe. Her current goal is to make enough money so she can get lost in the tropics when the tourist trade dies off. Unfortunately, it's the tourists that are dying off and she may be next.
A boxed set of four novellas in the best-selling Kate Jones Thriller Series.
Kate Jones Thriller Series Vol. 1 includes the complete text for the following four novellas:
BAD SPIRITS (Books 1-5): Kate Jones is on the run with a backpack full of money, intent on finding her way back to the United States from Mexico. Unfortunately, a ruthless drug lord named Salazar is just as intent on finding her, retrieving his stolen money, and making her pay for ever having left him. Is there anyone she can trust?
DEAD OF WINTER: Kate Jones is hiding out in small town Alaska when she witnesses an execution-style murder. Convinced the killers are Salazar's men and desperate to stop them from finding her, she reports the crime to local law enforcement, hoping to put them off her trail so she can escape.
DEATH RITES: When Kate has to leave Alaska (and Sam) behind, she runs to the last place she remembers feeling safe: the North Shore of Oahu. Against her better judgment, she re-establishes old connections, and soon faces a new problem in Alek, a gifted carver and avid surfer.
Then a brutal murder and theft of a priceless artifact from a museum is discovered, and Kate's thrown into the middle of what appears to be a violent ancient sect come to life. Her only chance of survival is to rely on her wits...
...and the ancient gods of Hawaii.
TOURING FOR DEATH: Kate Jones is hiding out from her shady past driving jeep tours through the rugged high desert of northern Arizona, determined to stop looking over her shoulder and find peace from her mistake of a gun-toting, former life. Testifying against a Mexican drug lord and a dirty DEA agent didn't turn out to be a life enhancing choice and she's been on the move ever since.
Now, five years have passed with no sign of trouble and Kate's finally starting to believe she's safe. Her current goal is to make enough money so she can get lost in the tropics when the tourist trade dies off. Unfortunately, it's the tourists that are dying off and she may be next.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2012
278 people are currently reading
445 people want to read
About the author
D.V. Berkom
50 books364 followersDV Berkom is the USA Today bestselling author of action-packed, riveting adventure and crime thrillers. Known for creating resilient, kick-ass female characters and page-turning plots, her love of the genre stems from a lifelong addiction to reading spy novels, action/adventure stories, and thrillers.
A restless soul and adventurer at heart, she spent years moving around the US and traveling to exotic locales before she wrote her first novel and was hooked. More than a dozen books later, she now makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, Mark, and several imaginary characters who like to tell her what to do. Her most recent books include the Claire Whitcomb Western Series: Retribution, Gunslinger, and Legend, and the latest in the Leine Basso thriller series: Final Encounter, Terminal Threat, Fatal Objective, A Plague of Traitors, and Shadow of the Jaguar. DV's currently hard at work on her next thriller.
For more information, visit her website at www.dvberkom.com. To be the first to hear about new releases and subscriber-only offers, go to: bit.ly/DVB_RL
Books by DV Berkom:
The Kate Jones Thriller Series:
Vol. 1 (books 1-3): Bad Spirits, Dead of Winter, Death Rites, Touring for Death
Cruising for Death
Yucatán Dead
A One Way Ticket to Dead
Vigilante Dead
The Leine Basso Thriller Series:
A Killing Truth
Serial Date
Bad Traffick
The Body Market
Cargo
The Last Deception
Dark Return
Absolution
Dakota Burn
Shadow of the Jaguar
A Plague of Traitors
Fatal Objective
Terminal Threat
Final Encounter
The Claire Whitcomb Western Series:
Retribution
Gunslinger
Legend
A restless soul and adventurer at heart, she spent years moving around the US and traveling to exotic locales before she wrote her first novel and was hooked. More than a dozen books later, she now makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, Mark, and several imaginary characters who like to tell her what to do. Her most recent books include the Claire Whitcomb Western Series: Retribution, Gunslinger, and Legend, and the latest in the Leine Basso thriller series: Final Encounter, Terminal Threat, Fatal Objective, A Plague of Traitors, and Shadow of the Jaguar. DV's currently hard at work on her next thriller.
For more information, visit her website at www.dvberkom.com. To be the first to hear about new releases and subscriber-only offers, go to: bit.ly/DVB_RL
Books by DV Berkom:
The Kate Jones Thriller Series:
Vol. 1 (books 1-3): Bad Spirits, Dead of Winter, Death Rites, Touring for Death
Cruising for Death
Yucatán Dead
A One Way Ticket to Dead
Vigilante Dead
The Leine Basso Thriller Series:
A Killing Truth
Serial Date
Bad Traffick
The Body Market
Cargo
The Last Deception
Dark Return
Absolution
Dakota Burn
Shadow of the Jaguar
A Plague of Traitors
Fatal Objective
Terminal Threat
Final Encounter
The Claire Whitcomb Western Series:
Retribution
Gunslinger
Legend
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November 21, 2012
A compilation of 4 novellas, each containing about 80 pages, this is one sure-fire thrill ride as we follow Kate through a series of misadventures and close-call escapes. I haven’t, even after 4 novellas, decided if Kate is exceptionally lucky, clever or just cursed with an impulsive nature and a really bad sense of potential danger. But, to be honest, if each of the upcoming adventures are as well conceived and written as the four contained in this volume: I don’t care.
The author has created a main character that is easy to both understand and appreciate, with humor, grace and the ability to think on her feet, with a take no prisoners attitude that is very clearly based in her struggles for independence and survival. Each adventure is fast-paced and tightly written, the situations are entirely plausible and all too possible, crafted to create a tension in the reader that mirrors the pace of the action and the increased danger levels.
This is a compilation that you will breeze through, turning page after page to reach the end – with the full impact of each story arriving after you are entangled in the next. These are delightfully sized and instantly engaging stories, perfect for a quick escape into another world, or a slightly longer one as you devour each of the four stories, unable to put the book down. I look forward to Kate’s next adventures – I only hope they are available soon!
I received an eBook copy from author for purpose of honest review for Full Moon Bites tours. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.
The author has created a main character that is easy to both understand and appreciate, with humor, grace and the ability to think on her feet, with a take no prisoners attitude that is very clearly based in her struggles for independence and survival. Each adventure is fast-paced and tightly written, the situations are entirely plausible and all too possible, crafted to create a tension in the reader that mirrors the pace of the action and the increased danger levels.
This is a compilation that you will breeze through, turning page after page to reach the end – with the full impact of each story arriving after you are entangled in the next. These are delightfully sized and instantly engaging stories, perfect for a quick escape into another world, or a slightly longer one as you devour each of the four stories, unable to put the book down. I look forward to Kate’s next adventures – I only hope they are available soon!
I received an eBook copy from author for purpose of honest review for Full Moon Bites tours. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.
September 6, 2016
True or false:
“Bad boys” are sexy.
Dangerous men are exciting.
A man with money and power can make a girl’s life magical.
False, all the way through. Ask Kate Jones. She made the youthful mistake of believing these things were true. This series of novellas chronicles her attempts to escape the consequences of a very bad romantic error, from her first break-out to the follow-ups years later. Each episode is hair-raising and intense. Even though I knew Kate would survive—after all, it’s told in the first person, in her irresistibly frank and sometimes sassy voice—I still couldn’t stop reading, feeling as if she somehow might not make it. I was glad these are novellas so I could reach a stopping point and get some sleep.
In the first novella, an old man in Mexico warns Kate that she has ‘bad spirits.” Without this set-up, some of her extraordinary bad luck in subsequent episodes might not quite work, but instead, it creates a subtle shamanistic element in the series. Kate not only attracts danger but also seers. Their presence reminds the reader that she’s enmeshed in a web of forces largely outside her control, some spiritual, some all too physical, as she keeps fighting and sometimes running for her life.
,
“Bad boys” are sexy.
Dangerous men are exciting.
A man with money and power can make a girl’s life magical.
False, all the way through. Ask Kate Jones. She made the youthful mistake of believing these things were true. This series of novellas chronicles her attempts to escape the consequences of a very bad romantic error, from her first break-out to the follow-ups years later. Each episode is hair-raising and intense. Even though I knew Kate would survive—after all, it’s told in the first person, in her irresistibly frank and sometimes sassy voice—I still couldn’t stop reading, feeling as if she somehow might not make it. I was glad these are novellas so I could reach a stopping point and get some sleep.
In the first novella, an old man in Mexico warns Kate that she has ‘bad spirits.” Without this set-up, some of her extraordinary bad luck in subsequent episodes might not quite work, but instead, it creates a subtle shamanistic element in the series. Kate not only attracts danger but also seers. Their presence reminds the reader that she’s enmeshed in a web of forces largely outside her control, some spiritual, some all too physical, as she keeps fighting and sometimes running for her life.
,
December 8, 2012
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for the purpose of review. The review was my honest opinion and I was not paid for this service.
This book consists of four novellas about heroine Kate Jones, who is constantly making poor choices that get her into some sticky situations. The author does a wonderful job bringing the characters to life. It was really easy to picture what was going on in the story. The author does a fairly decent job of keeping your attention and keeping you on the edge of your seat. The story in itself was enjoyable. However, what I did not like about the book was just when the story is getting really good the author rushes to bring it to a close leaving the reader wondering what just happened? The author jumps from a smooth story to an abrupt end; almost as though part of the story is missing. (no information to show you how they got to this point before it just quits.) The end of each novella was so disappointing.
This book consists of four novellas about heroine Kate Jones, who is constantly making poor choices that get her into some sticky situations. The author does a wonderful job bringing the characters to life. It was really easy to picture what was going on in the story. The author does a fairly decent job of keeping your attention and keeping you on the edge of your seat. The story in itself was enjoyable. However, what I did not like about the book was just when the story is getting really good the author rushes to bring it to a close leaving the reader wondering what just happened? The author jumps from a smooth story to an abrupt end; almost as though part of the story is missing. (no information to show you how they got to this point before it just quits.) The end of each novella was so disappointing.
May 1, 2017
Kate is an attack waiting to happen - to her. The books in this volume, 80 or so pages long each, follow Kate through adventures caused by a bad choice of lover. They are a fun read and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series. Also enjoying another series by DV Berkom, the Leine Basso thrillers.
October 3, 2014
Bad Spirits (Kate Jones Thriller #1-5)
I do not know how these books went as a serial, they are very quick snippets of the story. It would have driven me crazy getting them piece mail. Thank goodness they are together here, a much better option.
I like spunky Kate. She has an attitude that keeps her dynamic, even when she can be a very naive character. She is on the run from her drug dealer boyfriend, well ex. She comes into a lot of trouble along the way in Mexico. Seems the girl just can't catch a break, but then she follows her instincts and survives.
There are some great moments in the story, but it feels rushed. I would love to see this expanded. The story could use more detail and would be great if it were longer. We end at a kind of non-ending. Things are left unresolved and you need to wait for the next book in the series to see what happens.
Dead of Winter (Kate Jones Thriller #6)
Kate is hiding out in Alaska. Of course she will stumble upon a murder, that is her luck. She is smart enough to look for help and hooks up with dishy detective Sam. I am not going to classify it as a romance, down and dirty time on the sheets does not equal love. I do see great potential for them in the future.
The story is engaging and connects with the first book. I am anticipating this will be a thread through this series. Kate hoping from location to location running from the bad guys. I can deal with that, it has huge potential. I do wish the book were longer.
Kate is as always spunky and sweet at the same time. She is getting smarter about hiding out and it will be interesting to see how thing progress.
Death Rites (Kate Jones Thriller #7)
This is the best book of the series so far!! We get to see more of Kate and what makes her who she is up to this point. I really loved seeing her with her friends and hearing a bit more of her past.
The other reason this book is great is that the trouble she runs across isn't strictly Salazar related. It was a refreshing turn. The girl can find trouble anywhere!!
The story was more involved and detailed than others in the series. I did not see the twist coming and was more than a touch shocked! Kudos on that.
I was hoping for more Sam, but I have faith he will pop up again in the series!
Touring for Death (Kate Jones Thriller, #8)
This book picks up the series with Kate in yet another location. She is still hiding out and has come across more trouble, unconnected to Salazar. She has a real penchant for finding chaos!
I have really come to like Kate over the series. She has gumption and is pretty clever in her escapes. Sure she has a few dumb girl moments, but as a whole she is learning. I really like that through it all she still manages to stay sweet.
The story moves along swiftly and is again rather short. This time around we get another love interest in Sheriff Cole. I do wish we could have spent longer on that relationship. It has huge potential and a very interesting dynamic with his kids.
It will be interesting to see what will happen with the rest of the series. It would be nice to see the Mexico fiasco have a clear ending.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Melissa Moran, who does a great job with all the accents and voices. She has a very mater of fact tone that fits Kate to a "T". That is key because the whole narrative is from her POV. She keeps the voices consistent and distinct through the series. A great pace keeps things moving along at a steady clip. She has terrific energy in her read that adds to the action scenes. I will definitely be looking for more of her work.
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
I do not know how these books went as a serial, they are very quick snippets of the story. It would have driven me crazy getting them piece mail. Thank goodness they are together here, a much better option.
I like spunky Kate. She has an attitude that keeps her dynamic, even when she can be a very naive character. She is on the run from her drug dealer boyfriend, well ex. She comes into a lot of trouble along the way in Mexico. Seems the girl just can't catch a break, but then she follows her instincts and survives.
There are some great moments in the story, but it feels rushed. I would love to see this expanded. The story could use more detail and would be great if it were longer. We end at a kind of non-ending. Things are left unresolved and you need to wait for the next book in the series to see what happens.
Dead of Winter (Kate Jones Thriller #6)
Kate is hiding out in Alaska. Of course she will stumble upon a murder, that is her luck. She is smart enough to look for help and hooks up with dishy detective Sam. I am not going to classify it as a romance, down and dirty time on the sheets does not equal love. I do see great potential for them in the future.
The story is engaging and connects with the first book. I am anticipating this will be a thread through this series. Kate hoping from location to location running from the bad guys. I can deal with that, it has huge potential. I do wish the book were longer.
Kate is as always spunky and sweet at the same time. She is getting smarter about hiding out and it will be interesting to see how thing progress.
Death Rites (Kate Jones Thriller #7)
This is the best book of the series so far!! We get to see more of Kate and what makes her who she is up to this point. I really loved seeing her with her friends and hearing a bit more of her past.
The other reason this book is great is that the trouble she runs across isn't strictly Salazar related. It was a refreshing turn. The girl can find trouble anywhere!!
The story was more involved and detailed than others in the series. I did not see the twist coming and was more than a touch shocked! Kudos on that.
I was hoping for more Sam, but I have faith he will pop up again in the series!
Touring for Death (Kate Jones Thriller, #8)
This book picks up the series with Kate in yet another location. She is still hiding out and has come across more trouble, unconnected to Salazar. She has a real penchant for finding chaos!
I have really come to like Kate over the series. She has gumption and is pretty clever in her escapes. Sure she has a few dumb girl moments, but as a whole she is learning. I really like that through it all she still manages to stay sweet.
The story moves along swiftly and is again rather short. This time around we get another love interest in Sheriff Cole. I do wish we could have spent longer on that relationship. It has huge potential and a very interesting dynamic with his kids.
It will be interesting to see what will happen with the rest of the series. It would be nice to see the Mexico fiasco have a clear ending.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Melissa Moran, who does a great job with all the accents and voices. She has a very mater of fact tone that fits Kate to a "T". That is key because the whole narrative is from her POV. She keeps the voices consistent and distinct through the series. A great pace keeps things moving along at a steady clip. She has terrific energy in her read that adds to the action scenes. I will definitely be looking for more of her work.
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
Read
December 3, 2012To say that Kate Jones is a magnet for trouble is a bit of an understatement. In Bad Spirits, Kate has traveled to Mexico on vacation, quickly became involved with a local man only to later find out he's a drug lord. Three years later she compounds her mistake by stealing his money only to find out it wasn't his money but a payment to another drug lord. Bad enough she's attempting to escape from a man that refused to allow her to leave, but she's also being tracked by two drug lords and their compatriots. Fortunately Kate runs into the DEA and is able to escape from Mexico only after agreeing to testify. But Kate knows that even though Salazar and Anaya are in prison her life is still in danger so she runs to Alaska.
Kate witnesses a murder in the wilds of Alaska in Dead of Winter and also realizes she's been found by either Salazar or Anaya as the murderers were speaking using a Mexican dialect. Kate isn't quick to trust the police but she knows she has to report the crime to local authorities. Her report leads to a local deputy, Sam, as a bodyguard. Just when Kate feels she might be able to escape from Alaska, she finds herself in a situation where she must fight not only for her life but for Sam's as well.
Kate jumps from the frying pan into the fire when she lands in Hawaii in Death Rites. She quickly becomes embroiled in local thefts and murder when a friend is found badly injured after a burglary. Kate knows this doesn't have anything to do with Mexican drug lords but she quickly finds herself dealing with another set of crazies and their beliefs in ancient prophesies.
Fast forward a few years and Kate's past has come calling in Touring for Death. Kate is now living and working in Arizona as a tour guide and several of the tourists in one of her tours have been found dead and/or missing. She knows this can't be a coincidence since this happens shortly after her tour vehicle crashes and is found to have been sabotaged.
Kate Jones exemplifies how one or two mistakes in our past can haunt us for the rest of our lives. Kate's first mistake was getting involved with a man she knew nothing about and this was compounded by her belief that she could steal from him and get on with her life. Although the scenarios with the drug cartels were believable, I found some of the other scenarios a bit farfetched, especially those in Hawaii. Even though I had difficulties with some of the scenarios, I was quickly intrigued by Kate's life and wondered if she'd ever gain her freedom from the cartels. The Kate Jones Thriller Set is a quick read that provides murder, mayhem, and lots of suspense and thrills. Kate Jones doesn't start off as a likeable character but I found myself quickly rooting for her as she jumped from mishap to mishap.
Kate witnesses a murder in the wilds of Alaska in Dead of Winter and also realizes she's been found by either Salazar or Anaya as the murderers were speaking using a Mexican dialect. Kate isn't quick to trust the police but she knows she has to report the crime to local authorities. Her report leads to a local deputy, Sam, as a bodyguard. Just when Kate feels she might be able to escape from Alaska, she finds herself in a situation where she must fight not only for her life but for Sam's as well.
Kate jumps from the frying pan into the fire when she lands in Hawaii in Death Rites. She quickly becomes embroiled in local thefts and murder when a friend is found badly injured after a burglary. Kate knows this doesn't have anything to do with Mexican drug lords but she quickly finds herself dealing with another set of crazies and their beliefs in ancient prophesies.
Fast forward a few years and Kate's past has come calling in Touring for Death. Kate is now living and working in Arizona as a tour guide and several of the tourists in one of her tours have been found dead and/or missing. She knows this can't be a coincidence since this happens shortly after her tour vehicle crashes and is found to have been sabotaged.
Kate Jones exemplifies how one or two mistakes in our past can haunt us for the rest of our lives. Kate's first mistake was getting involved with a man she knew nothing about and this was compounded by her belief that she could steal from him and get on with her life. Although the scenarios with the drug cartels were believable, I found some of the other scenarios a bit farfetched, especially those in Hawaii. Even though I had difficulties with some of the scenarios, I was quickly intrigued by Kate's life and wondered if she'd ever gain her freedom from the cartels. The Kate Jones Thriller Set is a quick read that provides murder, mayhem, and lots of suspense and thrills. Kate Jones doesn't start off as a likeable character but I found myself quickly rooting for her as she jumped from mishap to mishap.
October 15, 2012
The following review is my opinion and not a paid review. I was given a copy of The Kate Jones Thriller Series Boxed Set from the author for a review via Full Moon Bites Blog Tours.
Kate Jones is one tough heroine/woman who knows how to take care of herself. She can get herself out of any situation that she is put in. Kate fell in love with the wrong person Roberto Salazar an Mexican drug lord. When Kate figures out what he is and what kind of person he is she steals his money and escapes from his ruthless clutches.
After Kate escapes she doesn't trust anyone not even the DEA agents or the witness protection program. So now she is on the run trying to stay alive and hiding from Salazar and his men. She knows you can't run a way from a Mexican drug cartel and stay alive but she plans on giving it her best shot and all by herself too.
There is a lot of action in The Kate Jones Thriller Series. Kate is always getting herself in all kinds of different situations. Not that any of it is her fault or anything that she did. You don't know from one minute to the next if she is going to get out alive. People are dying all around her but she has managed to stay alive and well.
There is sometimes that she has to let other people help her because there is no way she could do it by herself. She does end up trusting a few people with her secret and letting them know who she really is. Will Salazar and his men or someone else maybe finally take Kate's life from her? Will she ever have a life without the fear? Will she ever have a life like everyone else with someone to love her and someone she can love without worrying about putting their life in danger?
The Kate Jones Thriller Series would make one fantastic movie. I love watching movies with a lot of action and killing in them. I have never figured out why I only like movies with action, killing or the paranormal types. I am not fund of comedy at all, romance is ok if it has action, killing, vampire, witches or werewolves thrown in other wise I am not going to watch it. If I do I will fall asleep. Whilst saying all of that now I guess you have figured out that I really loved The Kate Jones Thriller Series and would really love to see it on the big screen.
Kate Jones is one tough heroine/woman who knows how to take care of herself. She can get herself out of any situation that she is put in. Kate fell in love with the wrong person Roberto Salazar an Mexican drug lord. When Kate figures out what he is and what kind of person he is she steals his money and escapes from his ruthless clutches.
After Kate escapes she doesn't trust anyone not even the DEA agents or the witness protection program. So now she is on the run trying to stay alive and hiding from Salazar and his men. She knows you can't run a way from a Mexican drug cartel and stay alive but she plans on giving it her best shot and all by herself too.
There is a lot of action in The Kate Jones Thriller Series. Kate is always getting herself in all kinds of different situations. Not that any of it is her fault or anything that she did. You don't know from one minute to the next if she is going to get out alive. People are dying all around her but she has managed to stay alive and well.
There is sometimes that she has to let other people help her because there is no way she could do it by herself. She does end up trusting a few people with her secret and letting them know who she really is. Will Salazar and his men or someone else maybe finally take Kate's life from her? Will she ever have a life without the fear? Will she ever have a life like everyone else with someone to love her and someone she can love without worrying about putting their life in danger?
The Kate Jones Thriller Series would make one fantastic movie. I love watching movies with a lot of action and killing in them. I have never figured out why I only like movies with action, killing or the paranormal types. I am not fund of comedy at all, romance is ok if it has action, killing, vampire, witches or werewolves thrown in other wise I am not going to watch it. If I do I will fall asleep. Whilst saying all of that now I guess you have figured out that I really loved The Kate Jones Thriller Series and would really love to see it on the big screen.
December 4, 2016
Having read the first of this little collection as a separate novella (see here), I was able to dive in at no. 2. The first (Bad Spirits) sees Kate running away from a ruthless ex-boyfriend. He’s particularly keen to find her because she happens to have rather a lot of his money.
In Dead of Winter, Kate sincerely hopes that the depths of a cold and unforgiving little town in Alaska will keep her well hidden, but when she witnesses a murder, she fears she’s been discovered. Hunky officer Sam is assigned to protect her…read exactly what you need into ‘hunky’! Unfortunately, to keep HIM safe, Kate has to flee Alaska to quite a different climate: Hawaii.
Death Rites sees her reunited with old friends, who she hopes will keep her safe. But Hawaiian spirits have other ideas, it seems. She shakes them off by surrounding herself with the Arizona desert in Touring for Death, where she manages to keep herself undetected for five years. But when you’ve had an entourage of drugs, money and guns, life eventually gets complicated and she’s fighting for survival yet again.
Four novellas, by the end of which you’re gasping for breath! For heaven’s sake, Kate, go and work in a library, your life isn’t good for my constitution. I’m a huge, huge fan of Berkom’s writing and especially her hard-nosed, determined, no-nonsense heroines who still have a core of passion, sensitivity and judging by the men they chose, good taste!
A roller-coaster read and I can’t wait to helter-skelter into books 5 and 6.
In Dead of Winter, Kate sincerely hopes that the depths of a cold and unforgiving little town in Alaska will keep her well hidden, but when she witnesses a murder, she fears she’s been discovered. Hunky officer Sam is assigned to protect her…read exactly what you need into ‘hunky’! Unfortunately, to keep HIM safe, Kate has to flee Alaska to quite a different climate: Hawaii.
Death Rites sees her reunited with old friends, who she hopes will keep her safe. But Hawaiian spirits have other ideas, it seems. She shakes them off by surrounding herself with the Arizona desert in Touring for Death, where she manages to keep herself undetected for five years. But when you’ve had an entourage of drugs, money and guns, life eventually gets complicated and she’s fighting for survival yet again.
Four novellas, by the end of which you’re gasping for breath! For heaven’s sake, Kate, go and work in a library, your life isn’t good for my constitution. I’m a huge, huge fan of Berkom’s writing and especially her hard-nosed, determined, no-nonsense heroines who still have a core of passion, sensitivity and judging by the men they chose, good taste!
A roller-coaster read and I can’t wait to helter-skelter into books 5 and 6.
March 22, 2017
I've really enjoyed this series so far. The action starts right from the beginning and continues all the way through the story. I couldn't put it down and ended up reading it all in one sitting. There's never a dull moment in Kate's life and I can't wait to see what's in store for her next.
December 3, 2012
Review of The Kate Jones Thriller Series 1-4 by D. V. Berkom
Reviewed for FMB Author Promotions Blog Hop
4 stars
The term “thriller” definitely applies to this novella series, and to the heroine of the title. Kate is blonde; reckless; risk-taking; almost constantly death-defying; and successful. She reminds me of a female James Bond, although she’s American and not British. She surely does like to put herself in harm’s way: in the first novella, for example, she has run away from her ex-lover-a Mexican DRUG LORD-(yes, I purposely capitalized it)-AND stolen his money! Now, that is, without a doubt, risk—taking. But that’s Kate; sort of a Type A personality adrenaline junkie is she. Readers who like their thrills non-stop (literally) with prime heroines who steal the stage (constantly) and who eat danger for breakfast, will really enjoy Kate Jones.
Reviewed for FMB Author Promotions Blog Hop
4 stars
The term “thriller” definitely applies to this novella series, and to the heroine of the title. Kate is blonde; reckless; risk-taking; almost constantly death-defying; and successful. She reminds me of a female James Bond, although she’s American and not British. She surely does like to put herself in harm’s way: in the first novella, for example, she has run away from her ex-lover-a Mexican DRUG LORD-(yes, I purposely capitalized it)-AND stolen his money! Now, that is, without a doubt, risk—taking. But that’s Kate; sort of a Type A personality adrenaline junkie is she. Readers who like their thrills non-stop (literally) with prime heroines who steal the stage (constantly) and who eat danger for breakfast, will really enjoy Kate Jones.
July 1, 2013
I was provided a copy of the book by the author for an honest review.
When I first started reading this book I was hooked! I mean poor Kate, trouble seems to just follow her EVERYWHERE. The problem being is that she just NEVER learned from her mistakes.
This is a bundle of small novellas put together in one book. It is action packed and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I love that the book is fast paced and in the whole does kind of keep you guessing.
What didn’t work for me was that Kate kept making the same mistakes, over and over. It just got a little too repetitive with that for me.
When I first started reading this book I was hooked! I mean poor Kate, trouble seems to just follow her EVERYWHERE. The problem being is that she just NEVER learned from her mistakes.
This is a bundle of small novellas put together in one book. It is action packed and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I love that the book is fast paced and in the whole does kind of keep you guessing.
What didn’t work for me was that Kate kept making the same mistakes, over and over. It just got a little too repetitive with that for me.
June 21, 2013
Fantastic thriller series!
I could not put this down! I was gripped from the start and wondering what could go wrong next for poor Kate! She really can't catch a break! However, I loved this series I was sad when it finished. The individual stories are as strong as each other and I thought that the author really captured each setting from the cold snowy Alaska to the balmy tropics of Hawaii! Great descriptive writing and a hell of a ride! Wonderful!
I was gifted this series for an honest review
December 6, 2012
"The Kate Jones Thriller Series" consists of 4 novellas of about 80ish words for each book...nice fast reading. DV Berkom pens her plots fast paced and smoothly flowing with tons of action, thrills, with characters that are relatable and really likeable. I was thrilled to find that you can go from book to book and not miss a step. A must read for all crime, suspense fans.
This review is based on a complimentary copy which was provided for an honest review.
This review is based on a complimentary copy which was provided for an honest review.
February 20, 2017
I got aan ARC and have to say I really enjoyed these. The stories are quicky read, it almost seems like a written version of a TV series. Fast paced, there's never a dull moment and I couldn't put it down. Loved the main character, can't go wrong with a flawed hero, expecially one who admits to her own mistakes!
February 23, 2017
This set of novellas give you the background of Kate, and how one bad decision has a lifetime of consequences. I liked how strong her character is and how she is so determine to survive despite the odds against her. This story is worth reading as well as the rest of the series. I loved this author.
January 27, 2019
Excellent.
These are fast paced page turners. There’s bad luck, then there’s
Bad luck. You know people say that the choices you make are fine, but you have to live or die with the consequences. Well that’s fine to a degree running looses its apple one you’ve been everywhere. Give these a try. Great boxset.
These are fast paced page turners. There’s bad luck, then there’s
Bad luck. You know people say that the choices you make are fine, but you have to live or die with the consequences. Well that’s fine to a degree running looses its apple one you’ve been everywhere. Give these a try. Great boxset.
January 23, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed this book.
This was a great set of thrillers. It had lots of action, edge of your seat suspense, and a strong female hero. I enjoyed the books in the set so much that I can't wait to read the rest of the book in the series.
This was a great set of thrillers. It had lots of action, edge of your seat suspense, and a strong female hero. I enjoyed the books in the set so much that I can't wait to read the rest of the book in the series.
October 30, 2014
Constant action
from the frying pan to the fire and not always from the known enemies. always just a step ahead, able to escape through wits, willpower or luck.
from the frying pan to the fire and not always from the known enemies. always just a step ahead, able to escape through wits, willpower or luck.
February 14, 2015
Very good
If you want lots of action, a very likable heroine and a good plot then this book will please you.
If you want lots of action, a very likable heroine and a good plot then this book will please you.
February 22, 2015
Kate Jones Series
Very fast-paced read, solid characters, a Perils of Pauline style story. I would recommend this author to anyone interested in good mysteries.
Very fast-paced read, solid characters, a Perils of Pauline style story. I would recommend this author to anyone interested in good mysteries.
October 27, 2016
Not my cuppa.
January 14, 2021
The Kate Jones Thriller Series Book 1 -
a review by Rosemary Kenny
Bad Spirits:
The eponymous spirits apparently (according to an old shaman she meets on the trail), won't let go their prophecy of doom, until Kate Jones has let go of everything bad in her life. Kate doesn't think she's done anything really wrong, but that the cash she stole from Salazar, her Mexican, large scale drug-dealer, wasn't actually 'his', but owed to Anaya, the cartel boss for supplies, meaning she now has two murderous, ruthless killers and their mercenaries on her trail! Can she find safety in the States?
Who proves to be a false friend? Who else's life will be forfeit if Kate's not found?
The plot thickens, as they say, so read on!
Dead of Winter:
Kate Jones has finally escaped from her murderous ex-boyfriend the Mexican drug-dealer, Salazar, with the help of a DEA agent called Luis Gonzalez and relocated to the States. She keeps on the move, firstly via Alaska, always alert, constantly changing her surname and appearance, and never trusting anyone except Luis.
When she witnesses a gangland-style execution near her location, Kate contacts Luis and he sends Sam to help her relocate, while local police investigate. It's not a minute too soon, as Kate can tell someone's been in her house. Where can she find sanctuary?
As Sam and Kate get closer, so does the hovering danger, culminating in a shootout in the wilds, as the lovers head to the airport. Can they both survive to get an HEA?
Death Rites:
Kate's fled from Alaska to Hawaii, seeking shelter with friends who will do their best to protect her from the constant strain of being pursued by killers for hire, brought in to the hunt by her ex-boyfriend Salazar and his cartel boss supplier, Anayas, both of whom are in jail in Mexico. Even when she escapes their reach (for now), Kate's far from safe, as she becomes the prey of a weird ancient cult, revived by fanatics whose 'trademarks' are ritual torture and murder! Who will save her this time?
Touring for Death:
Kate's settled in Arizona and has even relaxed enough to take a job as a nature tour guide. As life seems to settle, she starts to fall for Cole, the local sheriff, although it's nearly an off-before- it's-on romance, as someone sabotages her jeep and she's lucky to avoid the pursuing vehicle that intends to finish her off. Next, three of the people on the tour are gruesomely murdered, making Kate ask Cole and his deputy for protection.
While she ponders her next move, she's drugged and then taken to an abandoned mine, which she's lucky to escape alive from.
Cole asks her why she has no history before coming to live there, so she tells him all she knows - and how dangerous it is to be with her.
The truth of those words comes horribly to reality that night, Kate investigates a raccoon rummaging through her trash - just before she's grabbed from behind! Has Death finally come to claim her?
Four novellas in one great volume, from the amazingly creative Queen of Adventure Thrillers, D.V. Berkom, The Kate Jones Collection Book 1, brings Kate's full backstory in Bad Spirits; then Dead of Winter, Death Rites and Touring for Death tell what adventures and perils face our feisty protagonist going forward - ever more excitingly.
Grab a copy of The Kate Jones Thriller Series Book 1 today - it's much too good to miss!
a review by Rosemary Kenny
Bad Spirits:
The eponymous spirits apparently (according to an old shaman she meets on the trail), won't let go their prophecy of doom, until Kate Jones has let go of everything bad in her life. Kate doesn't think she's done anything really wrong, but that the cash she stole from Salazar, her Mexican, large scale drug-dealer, wasn't actually 'his', but owed to Anaya, the cartel boss for supplies, meaning she now has two murderous, ruthless killers and their mercenaries on her trail! Can she find safety in the States?
Who proves to be a false friend? Who else's life will be forfeit if Kate's not found?
The plot thickens, as they say, so read on!
Dead of Winter:
Kate Jones has finally escaped from her murderous ex-boyfriend the Mexican drug-dealer, Salazar, with the help of a DEA agent called Luis Gonzalez and relocated to the States. She keeps on the move, firstly via Alaska, always alert, constantly changing her surname and appearance, and never trusting anyone except Luis.
When she witnesses a gangland-style execution near her location, Kate contacts Luis and he sends Sam to help her relocate, while local police investigate. It's not a minute too soon, as Kate can tell someone's been in her house. Where can she find sanctuary?
As Sam and Kate get closer, so does the hovering danger, culminating in a shootout in the wilds, as the lovers head to the airport. Can they both survive to get an HEA?
Death Rites:
Kate's fled from Alaska to Hawaii, seeking shelter with friends who will do their best to protect her from the constant strain of being pursued by killers for hire, brought in to the hunt by her ex-boyfriend Salazar and his cartel boss supplier, Anayas, both of whom are in jail in Mexico. Even when she escapes their reach (for now), Kate's far from safe, as she becomes the prey of a weird ancient cult, revived by fanatics whose 'trademarks' are ritual torture and murder! Who will save her this time?
Touring for Death:
Kate's settled in Arizona and has even relaxed enough to take a job as a nature tour guide. As life seems to settle, she starts to fall for Cole, the local sheriff, although it's nearly an off-before- it's-on romance, as someone sabotages her jeep and she's lucky to avoid the pursuing vehicle that intends to finish her off. Next, three of the people on the tour are gruesomely murdered, making Kate ask Cole and his deputy for protection.
While she ponders her next move, she's drugged and then taken to an abandoned mine, which she's lucky to escape alive from.
Cole asks her why she has no history before coming to live there, so she tells him all she knows - and how dangerous it is to be with her.
The truth of those words comes horribly to reality that night, Kate investigates a raccoon rummaging through her trash - just before she's grabbed from behind! Has Death finally come to claim her?
Four novellas in one great volume, from the amazingly creative Queen of Adventure Thrillers, D.V. Berkom, The Kate Jones Collection Book 1, brings Kate's full backstory in Bad Spirits; then Dead of Winter, Death Rites and Touring for Death tell what adventures and perils face our feisty protagonist going forward - ever more excitingly.
Grab a copy of The Kate Jones Thriller Series Book 1 today - it's much too good to miss!
September 21, 2017
This title is actually four short stories compiled into one novella which is a good thing - I don't think anything but the first episode can stand by itself, and combining all four of them into one edition makes for one enjoyable read.
Without having a spoiler, I will say the author does a great job of getting you into the head of the main character and the trials and trouble she continually gets into while trying to escape Mexico. The dialogue is appropriate (vs. going on for word count sake) and the author really does a good job of describing the environment so that when the character feels hot and sweaty, scared, etc. you feel as if you are part of the action. As a stereotypical guy, I usually don't enjoy, or read much of, fiction that has a female as the main character - mainly because I can't relate to them. However, D.V. Berkom is one good storyteller and I am looking forward to reading the continuing saga of Kate Jones.
I picked this up for free during a Kindle promotion vs. its normal $4.99 price - you will receive a heck of a lot more in entertainment value than $4.99, so If you like a good mystery / thriller
Without having a spoiler, I will say the author does a great job of getting you into the head of the main character and the trials and trouble she continually gets into while trying to escape Mexico. The dialogue is appropriate (vs. going on for word count sake) and the author really does a good job of describing the environment so that when the character feels hot and sweaty, scared, etc. you feel as if you are part of the action. As a stereotypical guy, I usually don't enjoy, or read much of, fiction that has a female as the main character - mainly because I can't relate to them. However, D.V. Berkom is one good storyteller and I am looking forward to reading the continuing saga of Kate Jones.
I picked this up for free during a Kindle promotion vs. its normal $4.99 price - you will receive a heck of a lot more in entertainment value than $4.99, so If you like a good mystery / thriller
August 18, 2020
Take a trip to Mexico, fall in love with a man, live with him for a couple of years ... bloody hell, he's a crazed drug lord!!!
Grab a large amount of his cash and head for the border ... this ain't going to end well!
Particularly when said money is actually a payment to another drug lord.
Partly The Perils of Pauline and partly Indiana Jones the first book is the best - it fairly belts along. I'm six or seven books in - they are not long and mostly blend together.
If you want something to pass the time then Kate Jones certainly fits the bill. If, on the other hand, you want depth of feeling or exploration of emotions, look elsewhere.
I'm still reading the series - if it were bad I would have given up two or three books in.
It's not, it's an action romp, cut it some slack and let it get on with the slaughter!
Grab a large amount of his cash and head for the border ... this ain't going to end well!
Particularly when said money is actually a payment to another drug lord.
Partly The Perils of Pauline and partly Indiana Jones the first book is the best - it fairly belts along. I'm six or seven books in - they are not long and mostly blend together.
If you want something to pass the time then Kate Jones certainly fits the bill. If, on the other hand, you want depth of feeling or exploration of emotions, look elsewhere.
I'm still reading the series - if it were bad I would have given up two or three books in.
It's not, it's an action romp, cut it some slack and let it get on with the slaughter!
October 29, 2020
Book #1 – Kate Jones … Bad Sprits, Dead of Winter, Death Rites and Touring for Death
Can’t a college girl have a Mexican vacation, make a couple of bad choices or mistakes without looking over
her shoulder 24/7 for fear of Death and Bad Spirits?
Kate just can’t get a break. Everyone seems to want her for one reason or another. What or whom should
she trust?
How good or bad are her next decisions going to be?
Read and you judge if they were the correct directions or that you would have done something different.
Can’t a college girl have a Mexican vacation, make a couple of bad choices or mistakes without looking over
her shoulder 24/7 for fear of Death and Bad Spirits?
Kate just can’t get a break. Everyone seems to want her for one reason or another. What or whom should
she trust?
How good or bad are her next decisions going to be?
Read and you judge if they were the correct directions or that you would have done something different.
February 27, 2024
D.V is an awesome author. She takes a storyline and wraps it around your head and heart. You feel that you actually know the people she writes about. You become part of the book..
Especially with a character like Kate. Who has to move from country to country to escape from the people who want her dead.
This Kate Jones Thriller Set is a perfect example. Once you pick it up you just can't stop reading.
Totally recommend this book to anyone who enjoys excellent wtiting, formidable storyline, and amazing chatacters.
Especially with a character like Kate. Who has to move from country to country to escape from the people who want her dead.
This Kate Jones Thriller Set is a perfect example. Once you pick it up you just can't stop reading.
Totally recommend this book to anyone who enjoys excellent wtiting, formidable storyline, and amazing chatacters.
May 19, 2020
Kate is on the run from her former lover, the head of a vicious Mexican drug cartel and his associates. She stole a substantial amount of money and hopes to escape back to the states. But while she avoids being killed it is a rough row to hoe. These four novellas follow her through Mexico, to Alaska, Hawaii and Arizona. Fast paces and taut they are fun if implausible, Well written and entertaining they make for a great read.
October 2, 2020
Not my normal genre-but I fell in love with Kate and her incredible wacky - hijinks -
There is nothing she can't handle -and survive-From the drug cartel to assassins-to just plain loonies -
Never a dull moment-DV Berkom does an admirable job -her writing is fast paced and right on-How she researched Kate hanging over the jungle rappelling from a helicopter -is beyond me-but she did it with toal credibility -
A great way to spend down time -Enjoy-
There is nothing she can't handle -and survive-From the drug cartel to assassins-to just plain loonies -
Never a dull moment-DV Berkom does an admirable job -her writing is fast paced and right on-How she researched Kate hanging over the jungle rappelling from a helicopter -is beyond me-but she did it with toal credibility -
A great way to spend down time -Enjoy-
October 31, 2024
A compilation of 4 novellas. Seamlessly follow a young woman's misadventures after a life-changing decision. Each novella is a quick read that delves a little deeper in the calamity of Kate's life. As I closed this book, I actually mourned for Kate's losses for the choices she made and the wake of destruction behind her. I am looking forward to the next books to follow Kate and see how her past wreaks havoc on her present...
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